The Operating Theatre Journal - Flipbook - Page 13
Dr Rob Orford OBE named new Chief Executive of Moondance Cancer Initiative
Wales’ most senior healthcare scientist has taken on a new role to help Wales become a world leader in cancer outcomes.
Dr Rob Orford, who has been Chief Scienti昀椀c Adviser for Health for Wales since 2017, will become chief
executive of昀椀cer of Moondance Cancer Initiative in April 2024. Currently a member of the National Diagnostics
Group, UK Genomics Board and UK Life Science Vision Delivery Board, Dr Orford led the Welsh Government
scienti昀椀c and technical response to Covid-19. He was recently recognised in the New Year Honours list 2024,
receiving an OBE for services to health sciences and evidence in health policy.
Since 2020, Moondance Cancer Initiative has helped 昀椀nd, fund and fuel brilliant people and brave ideas to
improve cancer outcomes in Wales. To date, the organisation has invested more than £5m and funded over
25 projects across the country. These initiatives include introducing capsule sponge tests in Betsi Cadwaladr
University Health Board and Powys Teaching Health Board, supporting the expansion of the Rapid Diagnosis
Centre in Swansea Bay, and introducing transnasal endoscopy at Cardiff and Vale and Cwm Taf Morgannwg
University Health Boards.
In 2023, the organisation published Towards Zero Deaths from Bowel Cancer in Wales, a landmark report
which saw patients, clinicians and professionals come together to create a compelling case for change
showing how the 2,300 people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Wales each year can have the best chance to
survive and thrive.
Dr Orford said: “I’m hugely excited to be joining Moondance Cancer Initiative to lead the charge to make Wales a world leader in cancer survival.
My focus has always been using science, evidence, innovation, and research to improve health and help make a measurable change to people’s
lives and this role is that mantra writ large.
“There’s work to do. The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce con昀椀rms that Wales is one of the worst countries for cancer survival. But my
experiences leading the country’s scienti昀椀c response to the pandemic showed the power of working collectively to help reduce harm using science
and research. It’s this collaborative and evidence-informed approach I want to promulgate against the leading cause of death in Wales. We must
work together to make measurable improvements in cancer outcomes and health inequalities across the country.”
Geoff Graham, Chair of Moondance Cancer Initiative, said: “Rob’s appointment is a real milestone for Moondance Cancer Initiative. Over the past
four years, Moondance has truly established itself on Wales’ cancer landscape as a trusted partner committed to bringing knowledge, ideas and
funding to improve cancer outcomes across the country.
“Rob’s wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm is a welcome addition to our talented and dedicated team, and together they will continue
to fuel the brilliant people working in cancer services, ensuring their brave ideas are supported to help more people than ever before survive
cancer in Wales.”
For more information, visit: https://moondance-cancer.wales/
Find out more 02921 680068 • e-mail admin@lawrand.com
Issue 401
February
2024
13