THE chief executive of NHS Scotland and director general of health and social care, Malcolm Wright, has tendered his resignation on health grounds due to an underlying medical condition.
The Scottish Government announced Elinor Mitchell, director for Community Health and Social Care has been appointed interim DG Health and Social Care and John Connaghan, chief performance officer NHS Scotland and director of delivery and resilience, has been appointed interim Chief Executive of NHS Scotland.
Announcing the resignation Jeanne Freeman, health secretary, said: “I know this was a difficult decision but one he has had to make for medical reasons. He leaves with my greatest respect and gratitude. I have valued the wealth of knowledge and experience that he brought to the role, especially at this challenging time. I wish him well for a happy and healthy future.
“I know that Elinor Mitchell and John Connaghan have worked closely with Malcolm as key members of his team and that they share my determination to equip our health and care system to meet the current challenges and to continue delivering an excellent service for the people of Scotland. I am confident they will continue to meet the challenges we face and continue to give our service the leadership it deserves.”