The chair of NHS Highland Health Board has resigned with immediate effect.
It was announced today that David Alston would step down from his role.
He first joined NHS Highland as a non-executive director 16 years ago, becoming chair in April 2016.
Mr Alston said: “I am immensely grateful to all of the team here at NHS Highland.
“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 chair 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.”
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 a halth noard statement today said he had ‘extensive experience in Scotland’s public life, including senior leadership roles’.
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.”
The only thing certain is that Argyll will continue to be short changed in health as Highland concentrates on Inverness and Glasgow demands that we travel to the south side of the Clyde to get treatment for anything more than a hagnail while milking Highland’s budget at every turn.