Following several high profile senior additions to its medical team, St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport continues to push forward with ambitious plans which will create one of the best equipped centres of clinical excellence in the UK with the appointment of consultant sports physician and WRU national team doctor, Dr Geoff Davies.

A GP for 16 years before moving into the dedicated field of sport medicine, prior to taking on his official WRU role, Geoff also enjoyed a career with both the Cardiff Blues and Wales under-18 rugby squad and has extensive experience in the sporting arena – now dividing his time between commitments to professional rugby, the Ministry of Defence and private sector.

A Fellow of the Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine with a recently gained Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, in 2011 Geoff was also awarded a position on the Sport & Exercise Medicine Specialist Register.

Dr Davies joins a rapidly growing team of high calibre individuals recently appointed to add a new dimension to the hospital service as it strives to deliver a bespoke, five-star patient experience.

Geoff said: “As St Joseph’s hasn’t previously had access to a dedicated sports physician on its team, I see this as a real opportunity to develop a centre of excellence; within a multi-disciplinary medical environment in which the key clinical disciplines are fully integrated to guarantee the best possible all-round service to patients.

“I’m committed to taking a more holistic approach to a patient’s treatment path than may traditionally be expected and relish the opportunity to work closely with the other specialist disciplines – physiotherapy in particular – to help patients make informed choices about the right course of treatment.

“To have the capability to cross-refer under the one roof is a real plus point for me. I’m looking forward to being part of the hospital’s vision, with the investment that has been committed to bringing some of the very best equipment and facilities in the whole of the UK here to South Wales.”

St Joseph’s executive chairman Brian Staples said: “Dr Davies’ appointment certainly comes at a very exciting period for St Joseph’s – another experienced and very well-respected addition to our portfolio of clinical specialists.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming him on board and the important input he will have, as we continue to expand the hospital’s specialist led physiotherapy and hydrotherapy service and invest in leading technology and equipment to help us develop this top class facility.”