Betsi Cadwaladr chief executive to leave for English NHS trust

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 11:01 · Archive

Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales, is leaving to take up a role at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in January.

Carol Shillabeer is leaving her role as chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to become chief executive of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the new year. She has led the North Wales health board for three and a half years.

Shillabeer joined Betsi Cadwaladr in May 2023 as interim chief executive shortly after it re-entered special measures in February 2023 due to serious concerns about performance, leadership and culture. The health board, which covers all of north Wales, has spent nine years in special measures overall since its creation in 2009. When appointed, Shillabeer described it as one of the toughest jobs in the NHS.

Dyfed Edwards, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr, said Shillabeer had provided committed and determined leadership at an exceptionally challenging point in the organisation's history. He noted that considerable work remains on the health board's improvement journey and that the board will now consider appropriate leadership arrangements.

Shillabeer is a registered nurse with 30 years' experience who has held senior roles in women and children's services, mental health and general medicine. Her departure comes months after inspections of the emergency department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd found it needed significant improvements, though a follow-up in August showed progress had been made.

How it is being reported

• Chief executive of failing health board leaves for new job in EnglandCarol Shillabeer became chief executive of Wales' biggest and most troubled health board in May 2023.BBC North East Wales · 14 Nov, 10:49
• Betsi Cadwaladr chief executive to leave post after three yearsMs Shillabeer joined the health board as Interim Chief Executive in May 2023, during a period of significant organisational challenge.The Leader · 13 Nov, 16:15

In this story: Carol Shillabeer · Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board · Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust · North Wales · Healthcare Inspectorate Wales · Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

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