THE Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board is to step down early next year.

The health board announced this afternoon (Monday) that Steve Moore, who has been chief executive for the past nine years, is to take over a health board in Devon in February.

Judith Hardisty, Interim Chair at Hywel Dda University Health Board, announced that Professor Philip Kloer has been appointed as the Health Board’s interim Chief Executive Officer from February 2024.

The announcement was made following confirmation that Steve Moore, Hywel Dda’s current Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as the Chief Executive of NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, effective 12 February 2024.

Judith Hardisty, interim Chair at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “On behalf of everyone at Hywel Dda, I would like to congratulate Steve on his appointment as Chief Executive of NHS Devon ICB.

"Steve has been an excellent leader at Hywel Dda and he will be sorely missed by so many of us. We wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”

Steve Moore, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Officer, added: “Leading Hywel Dda for close to nine years has been an incredibly humbling experience, and one I will be forever grateful for.

"I have worked alongside remarkable individuals – people who go above and beyond every day to deliver the best care possible for members of our community - thank you to everyone for your unwavering support over the years.

"I wish Phil and the Hywel Dda team all the best for the future and look forward to hearing of Hywel Dda’s progress for many years to come.”

Professor Kloer joined Hywel Dda in 2005 as a respiratory physician.

During his time with the Health Board, he has held a number of senior leadership roles, including Director of Clinical Strategy and interim Executive Director of Primary Care, Community, and Mental Health services, before his current role as the Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

The health board said he has significant experience of leading large scale, whole system strategy development and change programmes and led the Transforming Clinical Services programme in west Wales, and the Health Board’s 20-year health and care strategy – A Healthier Mid and West Wales.

Ms Hardisty continues: “Congratulations also go to Phil as he steps into his new role as interim Chief Executive Officer. Over the years, Steve has invested in developing a dedicated and strong Executive team, who will continue to lead our Health Board and ensure stability of leadership while our sector faces increased pressure.

“As a seasoned leader and longstanding member of our Hywel Dda family, I am confident that Phil, together with the Executive team and Board, will continue to lead our Health Board with care and compassion – which is particularly important as we navigate through the challenges facing the NHS in Wales.”

Professor Kloer added: “It is a privilege to be appointed to the role of interim Chief Executive. It has been an honour and pleasure of working alongside Steve during the past nine years, and I am grateful to him for his dedicated leadership and for bringing our values to life every day.

“As a health board, and a sector, we face several challenges, particularly as we enter the winter months; but I am confident that with the support and dedication of all our 13,000 employees that we have at Hywel Dda, that we will rise to the challenge and work together to serve our communities the best we can. I look forward to taking on this new role and continuing to lead our organisation with kindness and ensuring that our people and our communities remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Professor Kloer is appointed to his new role on an interim basis for a period of up to a year.