Dr Dana Beasley and Dr Lizzy Nickerson were appointed as RCPCH Co-Officers for Wales on 2 April 2026. In this shared role, they will lead the College’s work in Wales, champion the health and wellbeing of babies, children and young people, support members, and help to shape policy and practice.
Following their appointment, RCPCH Wales sat down with Dana and Lizzy to talk about their plans. Our discussion touched on a number of issues that will shape their work over the coming years – from tackling child poverty and health inequalities, to strengthening community services, improving data and digital innovation, and ensuring the voices of babies, children and young people are heard in policy decisions.
They also spoke about the importance of collaboration across the NHS, education, social care and Government, and their commitment to representing members across Wales.
Congratulations on your appointment. How do you feel about taking on the role of RCPCH Wales Co-Officers?
Dr Dana Beasley: I’m very excited to take on the Co-Officer role for RCPCH Wales together with Lizzy. At the same time, I’m also a bit nervous as previous Officers have achieved so much to improve child health in Wales, but I’m hoping to be able to build on it. On a personal note, I’m very grateful to Dr Nick Wilkinson who persuaded me to get involved in College work in the first place. Without him I’d still be nursing my imposter syndrome.
Dr Lizzy Nickerson: I’m really pleased to be able to further the work of the RCPCH within Wales to give the paediatric population here the best opportunities to thrive. It is fantastic to be in a female leadership collaboration with Dana as we both feel passionately about advocating for babies, children and young people (BCYP) and representing the voice of our paediatric workforce. Throughout my career I have always admired and been grateful for the work of previous Officers for Wales and their work in raising the profile of paediatrics in Wales. We hope to continue their legacy with your support.
This is the first time the role in Wales has been shared. Why did you decide to take up the role jointly?
Dana: During the application process I was contacted by several colleagues who encouraged me to apply for the Officer role. Likewise, I encouraged colleagues to step up and consider taking on leadership roles. In the end, Lizzy and I both applied and as we discussed the opportunity, it became clear we shared the same passion for improving child health and a similar vision for how the role could be developed. When the opportunity was presented to us to role-share we decided to opt for this as there is so much to do for us as volunteers. Our different backgrounds across general and community paediatrics means that we will be able to deliver broader expertise and stronger leadership together.
Lizzy: The fact that the College offered a Co-Officer role reflects the current workforce, which I think is very important in a representative role such as this. Dana and I, like many paediatricians, have caring commitments and advocate for work life balance to optimise the wellbeing and sustainability of the workforce. The opportunity to collaborate in a leadership role allows for more rigour in decision-making, particularly due to our very different career paths and skillsets that should enrich the role.
What are your priorities for the coming year as you begin this role together?
Dana: It is a very exciting time with the upcoming Senedd election offering a valuable opportunity to bring fresh ideas and renewed impetus to the issues that we, as paediatricians, care about. In our manifesto we outlined several issues and actions that the next Welsh Government should take forward. It is very clear to me that we need to address poverty and associated health inequalities as a priority. Only then we will be able to positively influence child health outcomes. Right now, too many children suffer from ill health associated with poverty, inequity in access to services and a lack of preventative measures. I’m hoping to influence policy, advocate for BCYP (babies, children and young people) and work closely with our members. It is important that we listen to everyone and work collaboratively.
Lizzy: For too long lip service has been paid to sustainable and meaningful change for our paediatric population. Without data, change is challenging, therefore working together with innovators in digital transformation is paramount to enabling College priorities around community provision. The importance of working together with our partner agencies, particularly in education, is vital if we are to influence impactful change. We have seen the value of mental health and wellbeing being prioritised in the Welsh curriculum and now need to look to that model to broaden the early educational opportunities to prepare children and young people for life’s challenges. With the Senedd elections ahead, there is an opportunity to look afresh at these approaches and to ensure those at the heart of policy and decision-making are able to hear our members’ voices through our representation.
What role do you see for RCPCH Wales in influencing policy and improving services for children?
Dana: It is important to acknowledge that RCPCH Wales is a membership organisation. The results of a membership survey built the foundation of our manifesto ‘Putting Children First’ and we will continue to listen to member voices across Wales. We held a hustings during our recent St David’s Day conference, and I was pleased to hear that candidates from several parties pledged to listen to our expert voice. We’re planning to hold a roundtable on child health matters early in the next Senedd term to discuss the importance of investment in children’s health and wellbeing, preventative spending and addressing poverty to name a few.
Lizzy: RCPCH Wales has a unique role sitting independently from NHS Wales and the Welsh Government, but also working collaboratively with these organisations and developing professional guidance and training. Using this position to amplify the voice of members, drawing on their experience and understanding of children’s health needs, and ensuring that voice is heard by policymakers is central to the work of the College. I think RCPCH also has an important role in highlighting the value of investment in early years and education as a preventative measure that can reduce public expenditure, and to advocate for embedding a longer-term approach into policy and decision making.
Dana, you have served as Deputy Officer for Wales since 2023. What have you learnt from that experience and how do you think it will help you as Co-Officer?
Dana: My role as Deputy Officer for Wales has given me extensive experience of working within the RCPCH Wales team and develop a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities. It also allowed me to get to know the College structure better and contribute to a number of committee workstreams. I had the opportunity to give evidence in the Senedd and experience working with Welsh Government, Senedd committees and cross sector partners. I’m keen to continue to be a voice for members and provide advocacy for important issues around child health.
Lizzy, you have extensive experience in community paediatrics and safeguarding. How will that shape your work as Co-Officer?
Lizzy: My passion for equity for the most vulnerable in our society and interest in the critical first 1000 days led me into community paediatrics with its public health component and safeguarding element. Working in Public Health Wales in a national leadership role since 2024 has enabled me to develop my national strategic understanding and skillset. Developing national guidance, working with lead doctors in safeguarding across the UK and navigating the political landscape have all been part of my role as Designated Doctor for Child Protection in Wales.
Studying for an executive MBA in healthcare management has enhanced my understanding of the financial and business aspects to healthcare internationally, an important linguistic tool when trying to influence and advocate for meaningful change in healthcare and social provision for babies, children and young people amongst our policymakers.
Chairing the Wales Community Child Health Network continues to be a privilege and a journey of peer to peer learning and support. My role in facilitating this enables me to hear the voice of Community Paediatricians and relay this at a national level. It has provided me with the opportunity to develop skills in running conferences, workplan management and of course national networking, which I hope to put to good use in this role.
Finally, what excites you most about the future of child health services in Wales?
Dana: I’m keen to keep raising the profile for BCYP in policy discussions. A new Welsh Government provides the opportunity to address some of our manifesto pledges such as more integrated services, digital innovation and more preventative models. We are a strong network of committed paediatricians and other professionals involved in child health, and I’m really looking forward to working collaboratively across Wales in partnership with the Welsh Royal Colleges Child Health Collaborative, Child Health Network and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
Lizzy: We have a unique opportunity in Wales with a diverse population but of a size and structure that enables us to still have a tangible network of professionals involved in child health. I am excited for the possibilities of innovation in digital health improving efficiency towards a value-based care model. We have so many inspiring colleagues with whom we work; using their expertise to inspire policy makers and facilitate inclusive, equitable care for all BCYP is vital in moving forward with positive change in child health.