News story

Announcement of Air Vice Marshal Clare Walton CB KHP as the next Director General Defence Medical Services

His Majesty the King has approved the appointment of AVM Clare Walton CB KHP as the next Director General Defence Medical Services (DG DMS), in the rank of Air Marshal, from July 2023.

A photo of AVM Clare Walton CB KHP

Air Vice Marshal Clare Walton CB KHP has been announced as the next Director General Defence Medical Services

AVM Walton has had a distinguished career in the Defence Medical Services spanning 35 years encompassing roles in both operational and firm base environments. Her experience offers a unique insight as she steps into the role of Director General and leads the organisation forward on its ambitious transformation journey.

As part of her role as DG DMS, AVM Walton will be responsible for:

  • generating, delivering and assuring medical operational capability for operations and fixed tasks

  • providing and commissioning a safe, effective and efficient healthcare service for all armed forces personnel

  • providing policy and advice on health, healthcare and medical operational policy

As Air Marshal, she becomes the first female lead of Headquarters Defence Medical Services and is also the first female of this rank appointed within UK Strategic Command.

General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander United Kingdom Strategic Command said:

I am delighted to announce AVM Clare’s appointment as the next Director General, Defence Medical Services. Clare brings a wealth of experience to the role, in an area that is a core part of Strategic Command and wider Defence. I look forward to working with Clare as she leads the next phase of the DMS transformation journey.

AVM Clare Walton CB KHP said:

I am incredibly proud and honoured to be appointed as the next Director General Defence Medical Services. I am passionately committed to the continuous improvement of the care and services our amazing people deliver and am really excited to remain part of our transformation journey.

Published 19 October 2022