"My hero is every patient who has come through our doors after years of suffering" | Meet April's Health Hero

15th April 2026

Anthony Griffiths, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University Hospital of Wales, has been named April’s Health Hero in recognition of the exceptional care, compassion and support he provided to a patient. 

Anthony has worked at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for almost 18 years. In recent years, his role has focused primarily on caring for women living with endometriosis, supporting patients who experience chronic pain and infertility.  

When reflecting on his role at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Anthony said:  

“I often joke that this is the second best job in Cardiff, the first would be playing rugby for Wales. But it is genuinely a privilege to treat patients every day and have an impact on their lives.” 

Anthony was nominated by a patient, who wrote:  

“As I type this, I am lying in a bed in the short stay surgical unit recovering from a total hysterectomy. I have been on the waiting list since January 2022, and this marks the end of a long wait, longer still when you consider that my symptoms started when I was 11, 30 years ago. 

“Since I met Mr Griffiths nearly four years ago, he has shown grace, humour and pragmatism. He has helped me to feel empowered in my decision-making and has answered all of my questions clearly.  

 “Clearly, I still have some recovery to do, but a major milestone in my life took place today thanks to Mr Griffiths’ care. I couldn’t have asked for a better consultant.” 

Speaking about the nomination, Anthony said:  

“There are many aspects of joy in my role. One of the most powerful moments happens at the point of diagnosis. When I explain to someone that their symptoms are entirely compatible with endometriosis, many people begin to cry. At that point, I haven’t done anything in a procedural sense, I’ve simply listened. 

“The first satisfaction comes from seeing that moment when someone realises they are believed, and that what they are experiencing is real. 

“The second comes later, when I see people further down the line whose lives have been transformed.” 

Anthony explained that many of his patients open up about how their illness has affected their lives and often share difficult experiences, such as failing at school because of pain, struggling in relationships because of agony, and losing jobs because of isolation and ill health. 

Reflecting further, Anthony said: 

“When you help put people back on the right path, they say, ‘I can’t believe life can be painless. I didn’t realise it didn’t have to be that dark.’ 

“Seeing them return to a life filled with light and possibility makes a huge difference, not just to the patient, but to us as clinicians too.” 

During Endometriosis Awareness Month, Anthony attended a local endometriosis march in Cardiff and was asked who his hero was. Anthony’s response was:  

“My hero is every patient who has come through our doors after years of suffering.” 

Reflecting on being named Health Hero, Anthony said: 

“I don’t feel like a hero at all. This recognition belongs to the patients and the teams who support them. But it is, of course, a joy to be nominated.” 

Health Hero is sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As April’s Health Hero, Anthony will receive a 50 minute spa treatment.