Interim Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Care 

Richard Hughes serves as the interim Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, and Patient Care at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. In this role, he provides professional leadership and strategic direction for over 4,500 nursing and midwifery staff, ensuring the highest standards of care and regulatory compliance throughout the organisation.

With more than twenty years of senior experience in the NHS, Richard has held various roles, including Deputy Executive Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing for Medicine and Urgent Care, and Head of Nursing for Acute and Emergency Care. He has successfully led major service improvement programs, developed patient-centred clinical pathways, and managed large-scale operational budgets. Richard is passionate about delivering high-quality healthcare, driving systemic change, and enhancing outcomes and experiences for both patients and staff.

As a Florence Nightingale Senior Leaders Scholar and an accredited executive leadership coach, Richard is committed to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, compassionate leadership, and equitable access for all. He currently serves as the chair of the Welsh Nursing and Midwifery Committee. He co-chairs the Strategic Nursing Workforce Programme Board for Wales, hosted by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). Additionally, he actively participates in national advisory groups and strategic initiatives that influence the future of nursing and midwifery throughout Wales.

Driven by his values and a commitment to excellence, Richard sets out to ensure that nursing and midwifery services are designed to meet the needs of the population, advocating for innovation, patient safety, and meaningful outcomes for the communities served by the Health Board.