Lauren Edwards Takes Up Director of Therapies and Health Science Post at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Lauren Edwards has this week taken up post as Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s (CTMUHB) new Director of Therapies and Health Science (DoTHS) following an external recruitment process.
Lauren, who joined CTM as Deputy Director of Therapies and Health Science in November 2021, has been a multi-professional leader for more than 10 years, growing up in North Wales where she started her clinical career working as a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT).
Lauren has a broad range of clinical experience in paediatrics, adults, mental health, and learning disability services, having worked in the community, acute settings, specialist paediatric regional services including neuromuscular service at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and the private sector.
Previous roles held by Lauren include Chief Allied Health Professional in an integrated community and mental health trust in England, as well as Deputy Director for Quality and Deputy Director of Engagement, where she was responsible for working with partners to engage with communities to understand barriers to accessing services. In addition, Lauren has chaired the national group that developed the standards for the degree-level apprenticeship for Speech and Language Therapy in use in England.
Chief Executive at CTMUHB, Paul Mears said: “Lauren’s passion for the contribution that Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Health Scientists bring to CTM really came over in her interview, as did her commitment to working with our Medical Director and Director of Nursing to focus on improving the quality of care across our broad range of services.
“Lauren is keen to promote and develop the significant contribution of all the health science and allied health professions, as we develop the clinical strategy of the organisation, and I know she is going to be an excellent addition to the Executive Team.
“Lauren has taken up the reins from Dr Fiona Jenkins, who has been working with us for 15 months on an interim basis and has now returned to her substantive role at Cardiff and Vale UHB.
“I would like to thank Fiona once again for all her support to CTM during her time with us where she has been instrumental in developing the AHP and health science leadership arrangements, as well as making a significant contribution to the Executive Team.”
On taking up her new post, Lauren said: “I am over the moon to be taking on this role during exciting times for our Allied Health Professions and Health Scientists within CTM, regionally, and nationally. “In the short time that I’ve been in CTM, the compassion, dedication and skills of our clinicians has shone through – I’ll be immensely proud to be their professional leader.
“CTM is on a journey of transformation and our AHPs and Health Scientists have a vital contribution to make to improving the experience and outcomes for our communities, their families, and our workforce.”
