Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of strengthening Welsh language provision in health and social care and we are strongly committed to making a difference to the experience of Welsh speakers through our More than just words plan.
To help us achieve our ambitions I have established a More than just words Advisory Board which will monitor and scrutinise progress against the More than just words plan. Following a process of fair and open competition I am pleased to announce the following appointments to the new board for the next 5 years.
Chair
Elin Wyn is an independent member of Bangor University Council and is particularly interested in the development of the new North Wales Medical School. She was a member of the Welsh Language Board and has a wealth of communications and marketing experience and a track record of working with partners and stakeholders.
Members
Dr Alwena Morgan is a senior lecturer in Biomedicine at Swansea University who has also been appointed Welsh Language leader in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. She successfully established Welsh language provision for undergraduate degree schemes at Swansea University School of Medicine. Her research interests include the impact of Welsh language care on Welsh speaking patients.
Dona Lewis is Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Creating new Welsh speakers is the aim of the Centre, thereby, contributing to the realisation of the Cymraeg 2050 ambition.
Dr Huw Dylan Owen is Gwynedd Council's Director of Social Services. He completed his doctorate on the Welsh language in care and health services and has worked for Swansea City and County Council, Carmarthenshire Health Trust, Carmarthenshire County Council and Powys County Council. He has been awarded a Welsh Government award for his work in integrating social care and health services.
Dr Olwen Williams is a consultant physician who has worked in the field of Sexual Health and HIV medicine in North Wales for over 30 years. She is currently seconded to Health Education and Improvement Wales as Associate Director of Clinical Leadership. She is Chair elect of the Academy of Royal Colleges in Wales.
Dr Rajan Madhok is an enthusiastic Welsh learner. He is currently a non-Executive Director on the Board of Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a non-Executive Member with Llais (Citizen Voice Body), and a Council Governor with Coleg Cambria.
Rhys Davies is Vice Chair of Anglesey County Council's Standards Committee. Prior to retiring he was a dentist in Llangefni for over 30 years and worked with the community dental service. He was also Chair of the Dental Association and a Dental Post Graduate tutor for Northwest Wales.
Teresa Owen is Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and is Chair of the health board's Welsh Language Forum. Before this she was Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Given the range of knowledge and skills of the members I am certain they will use their experiences to help drive forward the aims and actions in the More than just words plan 2022-2027 and to develop relationships with key partners in health and social care. I look forward to working with the Advisory Board as we continue to aim to ensure that Welsh speakers can access the health and care services they need and deserve.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.