Frank Atherton

Sir Francis Atherton is a British physician who served as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales from 2016 to 2025.

Background

Atherton is originally from Lancashire, England. He graduated from the University of Leeds in 1982 and became a consultant in public health medicine in 1997. Atherton who is 65 years of age, has contributed many years of hard work to the public service.

Career

Atherton was formerly deputy chief medical officer in the Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia, Canada, director of public health in north Lancashire, and president of the UK Association of Directors of Public Health. He was appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Wales in April 2016, following the retirement of the previous postholder, Dr Ruth Hussey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales, Atherton said that he was attempting to reduce the risk of transmission by taking "all appropriate measures".
Atherton was knighted in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to public health.