Mr. Andrew Burns has been appointed as Hospital Director for the Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, following the recent retirement of his predecessor and subsequent recruitment process.

Already a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon at Withybush Hospital since 2012, Mr Burns has also held a number of managerial roles at Hywel Dda University Health Board, including Chair of the Gastrointestinal and Urological Population Health Group, and Clinical Lead for Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Theatres and Day Surgery services.

Joe Teape, Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive at the Health Board said: “I am really pleased that Andrew is joining the clinical leadership team and I look forward to working with him to improve services we provide to Pembrokeshire’s patients. He is a respected colleague with a wealth of clinical experience and knowledge.

“His interest in health technologies, innovation and healthcare reform will be key in helping to transform local healthcare for our population in the future.”

Mr. Burns commented: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to this important role. I look forward to working closely with colleagues in the hospital and across the University Health Board. As Hospital Director, I will do everything I can to provide the best possible strategic and clinical leadership, and support to the services we provide, now and in the future.”

Mr. Burns was born in north London, although he has Welsh roots through his father who is from Abergavenny.

He is a graduate of St Edmund Hall, Oxford where he read chemistry, and Southampton University Medical School. Specialist Registrar training in surgery was undertaken in the Mersey Deanery as well as a Visiting Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and was formerly a Non-Executive Director of the think tank 2020Health.

Living near Stackpole in south Pembrokeshire, he enjoys coastal walking, as well as 16th/17th century choral music and supporting the Welsh rugby team.

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