Permanent appointment of Executive Director of Quality and Nursing

Public Health Wales are pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Birchall as Executive Director of Quality and Nursing at Public Health Wales on a permanent basis.

This is a critical role within the organisation with responsibility for providing strategic direction, leadership and oversight for integrated governance and quality and improvement, and professional supervision for our nurses and midwives.

Claire has been Acting Executive Director of Quality, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals since September 2023, and has already made an enormous impact in her role. 

Claire has spent her entire career working in Wales with 30 years in specialist nursing, senior nursing, leadership and general management. She has worked at director level in three of the largest health boards in Wales and before joining us she was the lead for the Wales Cancer Network in the NHS Executive.

Nick Elliott, Interim chair, Public Health Wales, added:

“The Duty of Quality and Care Quality Standards are a critical part of everything we do as an organisation. Claire has already made an exceptional contribution in this space since joining us last September and so I am extremely pleased to welcome her into the substantive role. On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Claire and send her our congratulations.”

Claire said:

“I’m thrilled to be able to continue in my role at Public Health Wales and for the many opportunities ahead to shape and drive the direction of our organisation, particularly being able to influence our strategy through the lens and valuable contribution of the Nursing and Midwifery professions. 

“Quality is at the very heart of what we do and I have been so inspired by the team here who have already shown they have what it takes to achieve our vision of a healthier future for Wales.”