Delayfor new health chief in post
The person tasked with ‘remobilising’ NHS Ayrshire and Arran in the wake of the pandemic will not be in place until the autumn.
The health service had initially hoped for a quick turnaround after previous chief John Burns left on July 1 to take up the Chief Operating Officer post at NHS Scotland.
Despite receiving a good response from an initial advert, which sought applications by June 21, interviews will now take place in early September following an extension to August 9 for applicants. The appointment will come at a time of continued stress for all NHS services, with the pressure of the pandemic being followed by the need to address the build up of a waiting list for surgeries and treatment and the inevitable increase in people using the service in the winter months.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran employs 11,145 people, who have been overseen by Interim Chief Executive Hazel Borland since July 1.
Ms Leslie, HR director of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: “Whilst we received a good response to the advert for the Chief Executive role this extended closing date ensured it could be advertised as widely as possible to potential candidates from throughout the UK, as well as allowing adequate time for applications to be submitted which was important over the summer holiday period.
“Arrangements are underway to appoint a new Chief Executive for NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the job pack describes the key role of the Chief Executive in remobilising health and care, as well as in improving public health and wellbeing for the Ayrshire and Arran population.”
She said that the start date for the new Chief Executive would be determined by “individual circumstances in relation to notice requirements and start dates”.