THE woman responsible for improving grassroots health care across Gwynedd has pledged to make the public’s voice her top priority.

Former pharmacist Ffion Johnstone is Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s west area director, overseeing the healthcare needs of 190,000 people in north west Wales.

She is one of three area directors brought in by BCUHB as part of its new structure, with the aim to reconnect with the communities it serves across the region.

Mrs Johnstone has 27 years’ experience working in the NHS, first as a pharmacist then as a senior manager. For the last year she has been working alongside Gwynedd Council, leading the transformation of the care of older people.

This included setting up an integrated health and social care team at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog, which places heavy emphasis on what matters to patients.

She says her challenging new role presents the perfect opportunity to review services as she spearheads the process of finding out exactly what ordinary people want from their local health service.

Mrs Johnstone said: “My role as area director for the west is all about focusing on the health needs of local people, listening to individuals and the community about what they want from the services we provide."

Mrs Johnstone admits there’s still plenty of work to do in terms of listening and engaging with the public but she said: “I am committed to listening to feedback about our services and, while it’s a challenge, I am finding the job very rewarding and fulfilling”.

For the full story, see this week’s Cambrian News north editions, in shops on Thursday