Valerie Watts.
The former head of Derry City Council, who is to become the new chief executive of the Health and Social Care Board here, has a “major job of work” ahead her, the chairperson of the Stormont Health Committee has said.
Maeve McLaughlin was speaking after it was confirmed Valerie Watts is to leave her chief executive post at Aberdeen City Council to succeed John Compton as the North’s health chief at the start of July.
Ms McLaughlin said: “Clearly there are challenges ahead for Ms Watts and a major task of work to do.”
The Foyle Sinn Fein MLA said there were issues around “public confidence” in the health system and the stress that staff on the front line were under.
Health Committee chairperson Maeve McLaughlin
She added: “I witnessed this yesterday as the Health Committee visited the A&E at the RVH where staff were clearly under extreme pressure.
“This is just a glimpse of the issues facing health care and the whole system needs reviewed.
“Having worked with Valarie Watts when I was a councillor on Derry City Council I found her a capable and energetic worker and expect her to tackle the numerous issues facing our health service head on.”
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