Mr Farrelly, who joined the health board in 2014 from NHS Scotland, said he felt delighted and privileged to receive the honour.

He added: “Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board has a long association with Swansea University and I am looking forward to further cementing that relationship by contributing to the university’s excellent opportunities for nurses and midwives as professionals.

“I have a strong commitment to working with families and carers to provide truly patient-centered care. This appointment ensures that I can further grow our exciting clinical academic career opportunities for nurses and midwives, so that we continue caring for each other, working together and always improving.”

Energy, enthusiasm and considerable experience

Professor Ceri Phillips, Head of College at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, said: “Rory has brought energy, enthusiasm and considerable experience to bear in enhancing the relationship between nursing and midwifery colleagues within the college and those at the care-face in practice within the health board.

“Since his arrival he has made, in conjunction with university staff, a significant contribution to ensuring that new entrants to the professions are inspired to develop and apply the necessary professional virtues and values from day one of their educational programmes, which will stand them in good stead in their future careers.

“We wish Professor Farrelly well in his post and look forward to working closely with him in the education and training of the future professional workforce within the ABMU Health Board area and further afield.

Dynamic leadership and highest standards of professional practice

ABMU Chairman, Professor Andrew Davies said: “I am delighted that Rory has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by Swansea University. This appointment by the university is a justified recognition of his skills and previous academic experience and an acknowledgement of the dynamic leadership he has brought to his role as Director of Nursing.”

ABMU Chief Executive, Paul Roberts added: “We aim to promote highest standards of professional practice and a commitment to education and innovation.  Rory’s appointment underlines this commitments as well as his personal contribution.”

Mr Farrelly trained as a Registered General Nurse in Essex and after which he qualified as a Registered Sick Children’s Nurse at the Evelina Children’s Guy’s Hospital, London.

After a number of nurse management roles across the NHS in England and Scotland as well as advising Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland on Children and Young Peoples Nursing, he went on to became Director of Nursing for the Acute Service Division in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

**This is an Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board news release.**