A HEALTH chief has spoken of his hopes for "stability and continuity" after the chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced she is to step down at the end of the year.

Jo Whitehead has brought forward her retirement plans due to family circumstances and will leave her post on December 23.

Welsh Conservative and Shadow North Wales Minister Darren Millar MS said: “I wish Jo Whitehead all the best for a long and happy retirement and thank her for her service to North Wales, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“The next chief executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will be its seventh in 13 years. This revolving door and constant change at the top is unhelpful and unhealthy.

"The NHS in North Wales desperately needs strong long-term leadership to overcome the ongoing challenges it faces and turn failing services around."

Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer for the North Wales Community Health Council (CHC), said he agreed with the sentiments of Mr Millar's comments, adding: "[The] key thing is stability and continuity.

READ MORE: Chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr to retire due to personal reasons

"Jo staying until December will allow them to move on with the recruitment process and have a minimal gap.

"The CHC hopes they can get good quality applications."

Following her announcement, Ms Whitehead said: “My decision to retire at this time is personal. 

"The last few months have brought some serious health challenges for my father-in-law, with consequences for my husband who has had to bring forward his own retirement plans and go to Germany to be with his father. 

"This has caused us to consider how we want to spend our time and has led me to conclude that it is time for me to retire from my chief executive role.

“It has been a great privilege to have been given the opportunity at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and I am proud of the achievements in North Wales which would not have been possible without the support of everyone in the integrated board and NHS Wales. BCUHB is full of the most amazing people and I wish the organisation well."