CTM welcomes Gareth Robinson as Interim Chief Operating Officer

We would like to welcome to our new Interim Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Robinson, who has joined CTM UHB. Gareth brings a wealth of experience to the role having held a number of senior operational and executive positions in the NHS and related organisations. Most recently, Gareth joins us from his role as Managing Director of Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Gareth’s appointment follows our recent announcement that Alan Lawrie will be retiring from the Director of Operations post at CTM in March. Alan has been asked by Welsh Government to work with the National Primary Care Team for three days a week from this month, supporting a range of national programmes.

Gareth said: “I am delighted to be joining CTMUHB and am grateful for the warm welcome I have already received from colleagues. I’m aware that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place unprecedented demand on our teams and that many staff are feeling the pressure after months of intense stress and challenge. I have also been deeply impressed by the commitment and resilience of staff and pay tribute to the incredible ways everyone has come together during this time. I look forward to providing my support to our operational teams and doing all I can to help with challenges we face.”

Paul Mears, CEO, said: “ I am delighted that Gareth has joined us and would like to offer him a warm welcome to CTM. While this is a challenging time to join our Health Board Gareth’s experience and skills will help us to build on the operational work that’s already been put in place and provide great support and leadership to our operational teams across our organisation.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Alan for his strong leadership and dedication to our organisation and for his achievements in primary care, mental health and most recently in leading our operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all extremely grateful for the experience and knowledge he has brought to our Health Board and wish him the very best for the future.”

Alan Lawrie, Director of Operations, said: “I would like to thank staff across CTM for their commitment, dedication and support during my time with the organisation. It has been a period of real change for our Health Board and the last few months have been particularly challenging in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership, teamwork and passion I have witnessed from everyone across CTM has been amazing. I look forward to seeing the organisation continue to go from strength and strength, and while I will still be working with colleagues for a few more weeks, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all every success in the future.”

We will shortly begin the process of recruitment for a successor for Alan’s post, which will be an external open process.