Malcolm Wright, Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director General (DG) Health and Social Care, has tendered his resignation on health grounds because of an underlying clinical condition.
Interim provisions have been implemented until the end of August, when a decision will be made on initiating an open recruitment campaign. In the interim, Elinor Mitchell, Director for Community Health and Social Care, has been named the DG Health and Social Care and John Connaghan, Chief Performance Officer NHS Scotland and Director of Delivery and Resilience, will serve as Chief Executive of NHS Scotland.
Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman, who announced the resignation, stated: "I am very sorry that Malcolm Wright has had to resign from the Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and DG Health and Social Care role. 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.”
Ms Freeman expressed her faith in Elinor Mitchell and John Connaghan that they would be able to equip Scotland's health and care system to overcome the ongoing challenges and continue to deliver an exemplary service for the Scottish people.
