Health Board welcomes new Independent Member

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Chair, Emrys Elias, has welcomed the appointment of new Independent Board Member Geraint Hopkins, by the Minister for Health and Social Services.

Following a recent process seeking nominations from each of the three Local Authority areas served by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, the Minister appointed Geraint as Local Authority Representative Independent Member to the Board for a period of four years.

Geraint brings 18 years of local government experience to the Board, having worked as a councillor for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council – nine years of which he has spent as a member of the Cabinet, holding portfolio responsibility for Children’s Services, and later, Adult Social Services.

He is also former Chair of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Corporate Parenting Board, and Deputy Spokesperson for social services at the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

Recently, Geraint has also taken up the post of Clerk and Proper Officer to Llantrisant Community Council.

Welcoming Geraint’s appointment, Health Board Chair Emrys Elias said: “Geraint is a valuable addition to our Health Board. His experience in local social services in particular will be of great value in helping shape the future of Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

“I look forward to working with Geraint, as Local Authority Representative Independent Member of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.”

Geraint added, “I am delighted that the Minister of Health and Social Services has appointed me to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. 

“For many years I served as Cabinet Member with responsibility for social services in Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, and have long advocated for the strengthening of the partnership between community and health services in Wales. 

“I will endeavour to make a positive contribution to the important work of the Board in seeking to improve services for the residents of the region.”