The chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow has been put in charge of NHS Tayside, capping a week of high drama at the beleaguered health board.
Scottish Government health secretary Shona Robison appointed John Brown CBE as interim chairman on Friday afternoon, just hours after Professor John Connell handed in his resignation.
Ms Robison had called for Professor Connell to resign after it emerged earlier this week charity money had been used to pay for computer equipment at the health board.
Ms Robison also said chief executive Lesley McLay’s position had become untenable.
Although Ms McLay has not been dismissed, a new acting chief executive was also appointed on Friday.
Malcolm Wright, the current chief executive of NHS Grampian, will take over Ms McLay’s duties.
Ms Robison said: “I am pleased to approve the appointment of John Brown, and welcome the appointment of Malcolm Wright.
“Mr Brown already chairs a large Health Board and is a chartered management accountant, with significant experience in leading change. Mr Wright is a very experienced NHS Chief Executive, and has already been involved in a number of successful Board transformations.
“I am confident that their appointments will bring a very valuable stability to the Board.”
NHS Scotland Chief Executive, Paul Gray, said: “As the Cabinet Secretary made clear, a change of leadership was needed within NHS Tayside to maintain public confidence.
“These appointments will provide stability to the Board and enhance financial scrutiny, and their considerable experience in management and leading change will bring huge benefits. Most importantly, it will ensure that patient safety continues to be at the very heart of their work.
“I will be going to NHS Tayside on Monday to meet the Board, and thank them for their continued efforts throughout this challenging time.”
