THE chief executive of NHS Lothian is to retire after eight years running the health board.
Tim Davison, who has worked in the NHS for 37 years, said it was a “huge privilege” to serve in the “pretty demanding and often unforgiving role”.
Last year, Davison revealed he had considered his position over the delayed opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh because of ventilation problems, before deciding to remain in the post.
Yesterday, he revealed he will stand down in August once a successor has been appointed.
READ MORE: Troubleshooter takes charge of Edinburgh Sick Kids hospital
Davison said: “It has been a huge privilege to have played my part in the leadership of one of Scotland’s best-loved public services and to complete my career with eight years at the helm of the NHS board serving Scotland’s capital city and the surrounding Lothians.
“I would like to thank my board, my leadership team and the wider staff body in NHS Lothian for their unfailing support in what many recognise is a pretty demanding and often unforgiving role.”
Responding to news of his resignation, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman issued a statement wishing Davison well in the future – but did not thank him for his work at NHS
Lothian. Freeman said: “Tim Davison’s career within the NHS has spanned the last 37 years and I’d like wish him the best for his retirement. Before Tim leaves steps will be taken to recruit his successor. This will enable us to put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure continuity of service and the best possible health and social care for the people of Lothian.”
NHS Lothian chairman Brian Houston said: “Tim Davison is an exceptional leader who has displayed outstanding commitment to the NHS in Scotland throughout his impressive career. He has transformed the culture at NHS Lothian to one that is supportive and transparent and which prizes teamwork and respect.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here