An innovative partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board aims to make North Wales a 'world leader' in caring for life-limited children.

That’s the shared ambition of our chief executive Andy Goldsmith and the health board's CEO Jo Whitehead.

To try and realise this ambition the two organisations are jointly funding a new lead consultant in paediatric palliative care - a first for North Wales.

Covering North and Mid Wales the new postholder will be supported by lead paediatricians across the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's area and specialist nurses as well as health professionals in the hospices 

The appointee will also be involved in how Wales shapes services for the future through the All Wales Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Network.

They will foster close links with children’s hospitals in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, as well as working hand in hand with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s Sub Regional Neonatal Intensive Care (SuRNIC) unit.

A first for North Wales

Andy Goldsmith said: “We are delighted to join forces with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the All Wales Paediatric Palliative Care Network in recruiting to this exciting role.

“This is the first time there will be a specialist paediatric palliative care consultant in North Wales, something we have aspired to for more than 10 years.

“This post holder will provide expert medical leadership to the whole system, across statutory and voluntary sectors, helping to ensure children with life-limiting conditions receive world class care in their community.

“The need for this specialist expertise has never been greater, as the number of children living with life limiting conditions in Wales rises and the complexity of the care they require increases.

“Supported by a network of dedicated and experienced medics, nurses and allied health professionals, this post holder has the opportunity to help North Wales on its journey to becoming a world leading region for paediatric palliative and end of life care.”

Betsi Cadwaladr’s chief executive Jo Whitehead said: “I recognise, as does the board, the real contribution made by Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices to the lives of poorly children and their families across North Wales and beyond – over a number of years

“We share their values and this appointment shows our joint ambition to make North Wales an area where children with life-limiting conditions have the very highest quality of care.

“I am delighted we have formalised this intention through this appointment and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

For more information about the role and download an application pack.

For a discussion about the role, contact:

• Andy Goldsmith Chief Executive Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices Tel: 01691 672 600 Mobile: 07969 950 783 [email protected]
• Dr Louise Phillips, Clinical Director – Acute Paediatraics Central Area Tel: 01745 534808  [email protected]
• Dr Madalitso Kubwalo Consultant Paediatrician/Clinical Lead for Palliative Care [email protected]