NHS Fife’s chief executive is to be seconded to NHS Highland amid moves to strengthen leadership nationwide.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced Paul Hawkins’ shift as part of a national shake up to address issues with infection prevention at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children.
Mr Hawkins has led NHS Fife for almost five years and will go at the end of this month, to be replaced in the interim by Carol Potter, currently director of finance and deputy chief executive.
As interim chief executive of NHS Highland Mr Hawkins’ “considerable skill and experience”, Ms Freeman said, would take forward work to bring significant stability to the board.
Tricia Marwick, chairwoman of NHS Fife said: “Paul leaves NHS Fife in good shape to meet the challenges ahead.”
She also welcomed the interim appointment of Ms Potter who she said “much respected” through the organisation.
Thanking NHS Fife staff, board and partners for their hard work, Mr Hawkins said: “NHS Fife is a fantastic organisation made up of passionate people who have a great reputation for delivering excellence in patient outcomes and experiences.
“I will watch with interest on how NHS Fife continues to lead the way for Scotland in a wide range of patient focused health and social care initiatives and wish my successor, Carol Potter, the board and NHS Fife staff all the best for the future.”
