A Fond Farewell to Donna and Stephen

25 July 2025

On July 31, we say a fond farewell to our Chair, Professor Donna Mead OBE, and Vice-Chair, Stephen Harries. Their dedication to the improvement of public service has left an indelible mark on Velindre University NHS Trust.

Professor Donna Mead OBE's remarkable career has spanned over four decades. A registered nurse for more than 40 years, Donna has dedicated her entire professional life to public service.

Her journey has taken her through hospitals and universities across Wales, where she has served as a clinician, researcher, and educator. For 18 years, she was Dean of a large Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and academics. Her deep-rooted expertise in both health and education continues to be reflected in the former role as Governor of Neath and Port Talbot (Group) College and as elected member of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales.

Donna has always championed her community in her work. She plays an active role in supporting local resilience initiatives, including her work as a former Director of the Pen y Cymoedd Windfarm Community Interest Company.

Donna’s contributions have been widely recognised. She is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Nursing and the Learned Society of Wales, holds an honorary Doctor of Science from Swansea University, and is a Commander in the Order of St John. In 2008, she was awarded the OBE for her outstanding services to health and nursing.

Donna began her post as Chair of Velindre University NHS Trust in 2018 and has dedicated the last seven years to driving improvement and championing excellence across the organisation. A passionate advocate for both the Cancer Centre and the Welsh Blood Service, Donna has been a constant and visible presence for staff, patients and donors alike.

Whether attending staff recognition events, service launches, or community engagement activities, Donna always took the time to speak with staff, listen to their experiences, and celebrate their achievements. Her warmth, approachability, and genuine interest in people helped build strong relationships across the Trust, and her presence was always felt and appreciated.

 “I feel immensely privileged to have worked alongside someone who is so supportive of the Welsh Blood Service. Donna is a force of nature, and her genuine passion and enthusiasm for pushing the Service forwards has been clear to see in everything she does.”

- Alan Prosser, WBS Director

It goes without saying that Donna will be missed dearly. While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and passion she has given over the past seven years. We wish her every success and happiness in whatever comes next.

As we bid farewell to Stephen Harries, we reflect with deep appreciation on a distinguished career that has spanned nearly five decades dedicated to public service.

Stephen began his journey in the NHS in 1976 as a National Finance Trainee. After qualifying as an accountant, he steadily rose through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as an NHS Trust Finance Director in 1992. 

His leadership extended beyond finance, eventually taking on the role of Deputy Chief Executive, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

Following NHS reorganisation, Stephen became a Director at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, where he oversaw major capital investment programmes and led the Information Management and Technology function.

His expertise was later called upon by the Welsh Government, where he served as Programme Director for the National Public Service ICT Strategy, helping to shape digital transformation across Wales.

Stephen retired from the public sector in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in financial stewardship, governance, and innovation. But his dedication to public good didn’t stop there. He continued to support the voluntary sector as a former Trustee and Chair of City Hospice Cardiff, and as a former Trustee of the Cardiff University Pension Fund.

Stephen’s calm leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering integrity have made a lasting impact on Velindre and beyond. We thank him sincerely for his service and wish him all the very best in the next chapter.

“Thank you for all of the support you've provided me personally, as well as the Trust during your tenure here. Your wisdom and guidance helping the Trust navigate difficult issues will be greatly missed. You should be immensely proud of your achievements and I would like to recognise the significant contributions you've made through your leadership in improving the Trust services”

- Matthew Bunce, Executive Director of Finance