Two AWTTC senior managers retire after a combined 36 years of service

The start of 2023 saw major changes at the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) as two long-serving members of the senior management team retired.

Kath Haines had worked at AWTTC for 16 years and was Head of the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit (WAPSU). She left in February to enjoy some time travelling with her family. Kath was a hugely valued member of the team and headed up some ground-breaking developments including: introducing Blueteq High Cost Drugs and Patient Access systems, and developing the Carbon Inhaler dashboard.

We also said goodbye to Karen Samuels, Head of the Patient Access to Medicines Service (PAMS) and Medicine Management. During her 20 years at AWTTC Karen was instrumental in developing a health technology assessment (HTA) process for Wales. The process was awarded NICE Accreditation. Recently, she collaborated with colleagues in the MHRA and NICE to launch the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway and HTA access tool.

Thank you, Karen and Kath, for your dedicated service to the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group and AWTTC. Thank you for ensuring safe, timely and equitable access to medicines for people living in Wales.