Welsh government appoints new chief therapies adviser

^{Ruth Crowder, the new chief therapies adviser for Wales}

She will advise the Welsh government on therapies and therapy-related services, and work closely with the chief scientific adviser for health, chief medical officer and other professional and policy leads.

Philippa Ford, CSP public affairs and policy manager for Wales, said: ‘Having known and worked with Ruth for a long time, I know she will bring huge enthusiasm to the post.

‘She has great knowledge and understanding of the role of allied health professions and will be a strong advocate for multidisciplinary and multi-agency working across boundaries.

‘We are looking forward to working with Ruth and continuing the work we have been doing around primary and community care, where physiotherapy can make a crucial impact.’

Ms Crowder is an occupational therapist by background and previously worked in the NHS, social services, education and housing. Her most recent post was policy officer for Wales for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

‘I am really looking forward to working with all of the profession, she said. ‘AHPs can offer so much to transforming health and social care services and helping people live as independently as possible.’