NHS Highland chief executive Iain Stewart quits
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NHS Highland has announced that chief executive Iain Stewart is leaving to take up a new post with NHS Orkney.
The move takes effect immediately and will see Mr Stewart take on an executive role within NHS Orkney ahead of taking on the role of chief executive after the phased retirement of current head Gerry O’Brien.
Mr Stewart was appointed as NHS Highland boss just over a year ago, in the wake of allegations of widespread bullying within the organisation, and had been spearheading moves to introduces changes aimed at addressing concerns raised by an inquiry led by QC John Sturrock.
Chairman of NHS Highland Professor Boyd Robertson said: "I would like to thank Iain for his valued contribution towards NHS Highland over the past year.
"Iain has overseen the development of our response to the Sturrock Report through the Culture Fit for the Future programme and has led the organisation on our journey towards financial recovery.
"I would like to wish Iain all the very best in his new role within NHS Orkney."
Mr Stewart said: "I would like to offer a huge thank you to all my colleagues across Highland, Argyll and Bute for their hard work and dedication which I have seen time and time again since I joined the board. It has been an absolute pleasure working here.
"I know as a board we have had our challenges but I firmly believe the work that has been put in towards our culture programme and financial recovery has contributed to making this an organisation we can all be proud of.
"I leave with fond memories and my best wishes."
Paul Hawkins will be seconded to NHS Highland as interim chief executive from Monday.
Mr Hawkins has been chief executive at NHS Fife for the past five years.
Before that he was chief operating officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board in Wales.
