Gareth Evans has been appointed Wales's Chief Allied Health Professions Officer.

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) represent 13 individual professions including physiotherapy, clinical psychology, dietetics, podiatry and speech and language therapy, and form a significant workforce across the NHS, social care, schools, housing, and the wider health and care system.

Evans will provide expert professional leadership and advice on the contribution of AHPs across health, social care and the wider system, as the country tries to shift towards preventative, community-based care.

Evans is a podiatrist by background. He said: "In this role I will strengthen the contribution of Allied Health Professions across Wales as we shift to community-based care. I look forward to championing and representing the profession in Wales. I am also committed to providing expert professional leadership and advice to support the contribution of AHPs across health, social care and the wider system."

The Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, said: "I am pleased we have moved quickly to make this appointment. The Allied Health Professions sector plays a vital role in our health system, and raising its profile is a key priority for this Government. I look forward to working with Gareth Evans to deliver on our ambitions and improve outcomes for people in Wales. As we focus on preventative health, it's important that the contribution of Allied Health Professions is reflected across the health and care system."