NHS Highland chairman David Alston resigns with immediate effect
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Mr Alston first joined NHS Highland as a non-executive director in 2003 before becoming chairman of the board in April 2016. His resignation is with immediate effect.
Thes resignation follows a turbulent time at NHS Highland, with cost pressures and allegations of a bullying culture dogging the organisation in recent months.
The Scottish Government subsequently announced a review to look into the situation. The review is ongoing.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has appointed Professor Boyd Robertson as the interim Chair of NHS Highland. Professor Robertson will work alongside chief executive Iain Stewart, who took up post at the end of January, to lead the future direction of the health board.
Professor Robertson is a former principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig College, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and has extensive experience in Scotland’s public life, including senior leadership roles.
Mr Alston said “I am immensely grateful to all of the team here at NHS Highland. It has been my privilege to serve as a director of this incredible health board since 2003 and as its chair since 2016.
“Throughout my time with NHS Highland, we have seen many changes and have overcome many challenges. However, the need for change continues and is probably now greater than ever.
“NHS Highland needs to adapt itself to be able to deliver the first class health services our people deserve. At the same time, the board needs to live within its means, balancing the books whilst promoting new ways of working.
“I believe that a new chairman at this time, as the board embarks upon a new programme of service transformation, will provide a fresh approach and enable the service to look forward with confidence.”
Paying tribute to David Alston, NHS Highland’s chief executive, Iain Stewart, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank David for his many years of dedicated service to NHS Highland. David has made a real difference to the lives of people across the Highlands and Argyll & Bute and I wish him well for the future.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman, said: “It is vital that NHS Highland, under the direction of Professor Robertson and Iain Stewart, moves forward at pace addressing the known priority areas of improvement required including finance and service delivery and embracing fully the work needed from John Sturrock QC’s review when finalised.
“The priority, as always across NHS Scotland, is safe and effective patient care, and I am confident that under their leadership, people across the Highlands will receive the excellent level of service they deserve.”
Mr Stewart added: “I now look forward to working with Professor Robertson on the important transformation agenda and I know that he shares my commitment to supporting our colleagues in delivering first class care to the people of the Highlands.
“I also look forward to working with him to restore the health board to financial balance.”
