The passing of Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB

With great sadness and loss, Cardiff University marks the passing of public health physician and academic Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, who died on Wednesday 29 May 2024. Throughout his distinguished career, Sir Mansel was an integral part of healthcare delivery and research in Wales – serving as the first Chair of Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Chief Medical Officer, Director of the Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research at Cardiff University, and the Medical Director and Chief Scientist at the Department for Work and Pensions in London. In recognition of his extensive services to health and healthcare, he was knighted in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2010.

Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Mansel Aylward CB. The contributions he has made to the health and wellbeing of people in Wales are immeasurable, and the impacts of his work will continue to serve the public at a national, local and community level in Wales well into the future.

“Sir Mansel’s legacy has not only contributed to the delivery of healthcare and health research in Wales and across the UK, but is also embedded in a profound moment in Welsh history. He was one of the first medics on the scene at the Aberfan disaster in 1966, as a final year medical student he tended to the injured and treated rescuers who had suffered heart attacks while digging through the rubble.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”