Professor Mansel Aylward CB MD FRCP FFOM FFPM

Professor Mansel Aylward CB is Director of the Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research at Cardiff University which offers a unique opportunity to extend knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial, economic and cultural factors that influence health, illness, recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.  

He is also Chair of the Wales Centre for Health, an Assembly Government Sponsored Body established to be the ‘hub of connected organisations’ and to communicate better health messages to the people of Wales.  

In October 2007 Professor Aylward was asked by Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services to undertake a review of Health Commission Wales’ functions, including its decision-making processes and appeals mechanism.  Under this arrangement, a report on key findings and advice (including the making of recommendations) was provided to the Minister in June 2008.  He was also asked to advise the Minister on the healthcare provision in Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. 

In December 2008, during the 60th year of the NHS, the Minister asked Professor Aylward to head the membership of a new independent group, the Bevan Commission, to help ensure that changes in the NHS structures set Wales on the path to a world-class health care system. 

In 2005 he was elected to the new Queen’s Birthday Honours Committee, designed to make the system more transparent. In September 2008 he was formally re-appointed for a further 3 years.