Dr Chris Jones

Originally from Machynlleth, Chris studied Medicine in Cardiff, qualifying in 1979.  A General Practitioner by background, Chris was a practising GP for 32 years as Senior Partner in the Taff Vale Practice in Pontypridd.

He was Chairman of Cwm Taf University Health Board between 2009 and 2017, and prior to that, had been Chairman of Rhondda Cynon Taff Local Health Board since 2004.

Chris was awarded a CBE for his services to healthcare through NHS Wales in 2007.  His interests include inequalities, population health, primary care, urgent and emergency care, and a life long interest in education and training. In 2016, he helped to establish undergraduate medical training out of Kier Hardie Health Park, Merthyr Tydfil.

He created “Setting the Direction: A Strategic Change Delivery Programme for Primary and Community Services in Wales” in 2009. He also led three Ministerial Reviews: North Wales (2004), Gwent (2006), and Out of Hours Services (2014).

He was Chair of the Welsh NHS Confederation during 2015/16.

Chris is now Chair of Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), a Special Health Authority within NHS Wales that sits alongside Health Boards and Trusts.  HEIW has a leading role in education, training, development, and shaping of the healthcare workforce in Wales, in order to ensure high-quality care.

Alongside his lifelong commitment to the NHS in Wales, Chris is married to Babs, with three grown-up children. His key interests are his grandchildren, fishing, woodwork, photography, opera, classical music, and reading.