Judith Hardisty (pictured) has been appointed as interim vice-chair for the University Health Board (UHB) following a rigorous interview process.

This key appointment follows Sian-Marie James’s decision to stand down as vice-chair from July 31 to take up her new role as the organisation’s head of corporate office.

Bernardine Rees, OBE, chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Judith joined the University Health Board as a new Independent Member in April this year and she has provided excellent scrutiny and insight to the Board thus far with us.

“She will take up the role of vice-chair from August 1 for six months to allow time for us to appoint to the substantive role.

“I wish to congratulate Judith in her new role and I also wish to thank Sian-Marie for her hard work and dedication to the organisation over the last five years.”

Mrs. Hardisty was formerly NHS assistant chief executive (organisational development) and an experienced HR/workforce director. She has more than 20 years’ experience of working at Board level with various NHS bodies and nearly 40 years’ NHS experience across all sectors.

She retired from the NHS in December 2015 and is currently an external assessor for the Corporate Health Standard and a lay reviewer for Health Inspectorate Wales.

For the latest news and updates from Hywel Dda University Health Board, visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk