About the LHS
The Linkslandic Health Service is a public body set up by the Linkslandic Health Service Act 2026. We answer to the Minister for Health and to Parliament.
Who leads the LHS
The LHS is governed by a Board made up of a chair, the Chief Executive, the Chief Medical Officer and appointed members (LHS Act 2026, s.2A). The Board appoints the Chief Executive and the Chief Medical Officer (s.2B). Board members must declare their interests (s.2A(c)).
Executive officers
-
Tobias Merriden
Chief Executive
Expertise: Operational management
Tobias runs the LHS day to day and reports to the Board.
Declared interests: None declared
-
Dr Anwen Callisford
Chief Medical Officer
Expertise: Clinical practice, emergency medicine
Anwen is a practising clinician. She advises the Board on clinical safety, standards, workforce planning and preparedness.
Declared interests: Unpaid trustee of a first aid training charity.
Board members
-
Rosalind Ebberley
Chair of the Board
Expertise: Public administration
Rosalind chairs the Board's public meetings and leads the appointment of members.
Declared interests: None declared
-
Dr Hester Vauncey
Board member
Expertise: Clinical practice
Hester is a general practitioner with twenty years in community care.
Declared interests: None declared
-
Owain Strethmore
Board member
Expertise: Finance
Owain chairs the Board's audit committee.
Declared interests: None declared
-
Priya Hallorand
Board member
Expertise: Patient experience
Priya leads the Board's work with patients, carers and patient groups.
Declared interests: Volunteer at a carers' support group.
-
Marguerite Abaye
Board member
Expertise: Disability rights
Marguerite advises on access to services for disabled people.
Declared interests: None declared
-
Callum Fenwright
Board member
Expertise: Local government
Callum links the Board with county health boards and regional councils.
Declared interests: Former county councillor.
What we are
We are a service provider, not a government department. We plan and provide a comprehensive health service in line with Article 17 of the Constitution and the money Parliament gives us (LHS Act 2026, section 3A). Our accounts are audited every year by the public auditor (section 5C).
Reports and plans
| Document | Status | Required by |
|---|---|---|
| Annual report and audited accountsWill report on access, safety, equality, workforce, preparedness, complaints and finances. | To be published | LHS Act 2026, s.2C |
| Five-year implementation and workforce planWill cover staffing, training, buildings, procurement, waiting times, coverage and continuity of care. Updated every year. | To be published | LHS Act 2026, s.5B |
| Inspection outcomes and action plansPublished once the independent inspectorate has been designated and has inspected our facilities. | To be published | LHS Act 2026, s.6B(c) |
| Clinical and service standardsBeing developed with clinicians, patients, carers and counties. | To be published | LHS Act 2026, s.6A |