Boss stands down at crisis-hit NHS board
THE head of one of Scotland’s largest health boards will retire this summer following a crisis over a children’s hospital.
NHS Lothian chief executive Tim Davison has been in his ‘often unforgiving’ role – earning £180,000 per year – for eight years.
NHS Lothian has been criticised over the delayed opening of Edinburgh’s £150million Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman refused to allow it to open on schedule last July after it emerged the ventilation system in the critical care unit did not meet national standards.
Probes also exposed problems with fire safety and electrical systems, plus a lack of qualified staff in safety roles.
It could take until this autumn to rectify the issues, with a total cost of nearly £30million. A KPMG review blamed ‘human error and confusion over interpretation of standards and guidance’ at NHS Lothian for the delay.
An inquiry into design and construction at the hospital and at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is under way – and Mr Davison may be called as a witness.
Announcing his retirement, he said it had been ‘a huge privilege to have played my part in the leadership of one of Scotland’s best-loved public services’ – and thanked staff ‘for their unfailing support in what many recognise is a pretty demanding and often unforgiving role’.
Last night, Scottish Labour health spokesman Monica Lennon said: ‘Strong leadership is needed more than ever.
‘It’s atrocious that NHS Lothian continues to pay £1.4million every month for a hospital that has never been used.
‘The new chief executive will have their work cut out, as waiting times in Lothian are some of the worst on record.’
Miss Freeman said: ‘Tim Davison’s career within the NHS has spanned the last 37 years and I’d like wish him the best.
‘Before Tim leaves, steps will be taken to recruit his successor. This will enable us to put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure continuity of service and the best possible health and social care for the people of Lothian.’