DR Gregor Smith has been officially named as Scotland’s chief medical officer.
The medic has been serving as interim CMO since April after Catherine Calderwood stepped down.
He tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages I’m receiving. I’m humble & honoured to be given the responsibility of CMO for Scotland. Big challenges lie ahead, not least COVID19 & reducing health inequalities, but my superb team and I are focussed on tackling these with relentless commitment.”
Thanks for all the messages I’m receiving. I’m humble & honoured to be given the responsibility of CMO for Scotland. Big challenges lie ahead, not least COVID19 & reducing health inequalities, but my superb team and I are focussed on tackling these with relentless commitment.
— Gregor Smith (@DrGregorSmith) December 23, 2020
Meanwhile, Caroline Lamb – who is currently managing the contact tracing and vaccine programmes – has been named chief executive of NHS Scotland.
And former NHS Grampian chief Professor Amanda Croft has been appointed the chief nursing officer, taking over from Professor Fiona McQueen who retires in March.
READ MORE: Top adviser warns March-style lockdown may be on cards to curb mutant Covid virus
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman congratulated the trio on their appointments to the "crucial roles".
She said: "All three bring a wealth of experience and I know they will work collaboratively with health and social care staff across the country as we continue to respond to the Covid pandemic, remobilise NHS Scotland and ensure people access the right care, in the right place."
Smith, a former GP, served as a medical director of primary care at NHS Lanarkshire before joining the Scottish Government in 2012.
He was appointed deputy chief medical officer in 2015.
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