Thanks given to Highland Health Board CEO
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has wished the outgoing chief executive of NHS Highland well after the health board announced that Iain Stewart is leaving to take up a new executive role with NHS Orkney.
It is understood that Paul Hawkins, who has been chief executive of NHS Fife for the past five years, has been appointed as interim chief executive in the Highlands.
The news was announced to NHS Highland staff earlier today (24 January).
Ms Forbes said: “Iain Stewart took up post at a very difficult time for NHS Highland and he has lead it through a year of challenges.
“His leadership turned around healthcare in Skye and Raasay, he supported a number of my constituents facing difficult situations and he has been unfailing accessible.
“I wish him well for the next chapter, and I’m pleased that he won’t be going that far.”
The constituency MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch added: “I look forward to building a constructive relationship with Paul Hawkins so that I can continue to represent my constituents to NHS Highland.
“There remains a number of live issues, such as building a new Belford Hospital, implementing the Ritchie Review and ensuring Raigmore serves all of the Highlands.”
The Highlands' Labour MSP David Stewart also wished Iain Stewart well in his new position and added: “This has come out of the blue as far as I am concerned because Iain Stewart has only been in post for a year and took over a very difficult situation.
“However, the most important thing now is that there is secure leadership at the top of the organisation and that the new chief executive gets to grip with a system for hearing bullying and harassment cases, particularly from those staff who were previously employed.
“NHS Highland is also still struggling with its financial situation and front-line staff are already under great pressure so the new chief at the helm will have a tough job with the challenges that need to be faced.”
