Moray and Aberdeenshire health board NHS Grampian announces new chief executive
NHS Grampian has announced the appointment of a new chief executive after what has been described as a “competitive” recruitment process.
Laura Skaife-Knight will leave her current role as chief executive of NHS Orkney and take over from current interim chief executive Dr Adam Coldwells when he retires in the autumn.
Making the announcement, chair of NHS Grampian, Alison Evison, said: “I am delighted to welcome Laura to NHS Grampian.
“Her 20 years’ experience in the NHS working at board-level for some of England’s largest acute teaching hospitals as well as for NHS Orkney, a partner Board in the North of Scotland, and track record of delivering improvements to patients and staff experience as well as operational and financial performance, will be invaluable as we move forward.
“Laura joins us at a challenging time, but I know that as a leader and chief executive known for putting people first that she already recognises that NHS Grampian’s talented staff and proven ability to deliver the very best care, along with a commitment to working in partnership and collaboration locally, regionally and nationally, means we are well positioned to rise to the occasion and move forward positively, together.”
Speaking on her appointment, Laura Skaife Knight said: “I look forward to joining NHS Grampian and leading the organisation through its next chapter, recognising the immediate challenges ahead, the potential for our future and what is possible if we work together when it comes to further improving care, services and experience for our patients, communities and staff.
“I have enjoyed working with Adam Coldwells, including through the North of Scotland Chief Executive Group and, recognising his upcoming retirement, would like to acknowledge the very significant contribution he has made to the NHS in Scotland both as interim chief executive for Grampian and in community and system-wide roles he has held over the last three decades.”
The health board was escalated to Stage 4 of NHS Scotand’s performance framework, the final level before the Scottish Government takes charge, in May.
Neil Gray, Scotland’s Health Secretary, defended the decision during a visit to Dr Gray’s Hospital earlier this month and stated that the escalation would lead to “difficult decisions”.
