NHS Fife chairman Allan Burns has announced his shock resignation after more than three years in the high profile post.
Mr Burns confirmed his decision to step down at the health board’s annual review at the University of St Andrews’ School of Medicine.
The news comes at a time of great change for health and social care services in the Kingdom, while balancing the books and addressing the shortage of GPs remain huge challenges for NHS Fife.
However, the annual review – attended by Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport – was expected to highlight improved performance in many areas across a number of key waiting-time targets.
It is understood Mr Burns will remain as chairman until Christmas, with NHS Fife looking to fill the role as soon as possible in the New Year.
“A new era of significant change in healthcare delivery is just beginning and I believe NHS Fife would be best served by a continuity of commitment from a chairman that stretches beyond the remainder of my term,” he said.
“I leave NHS Fife in the very capable hands of Chief Executive Paul Hawkins and his executive team”.
Prior to becoming NHS Fife chair in May 2013, Mr Burns garnered extensive experience as a chief executive and non-executive director and was previously executive director of Diageo in Scotland and global procurement director.
He also held non-executive roles with CBI Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Enterprise Fife and Napier University.
Mr Burns, who was awarded a CBE for services to Scottish industry in 2006, was also chairman of Action for Children Scotland, deputy chair of the National Theatre Scotland and a member of the Scottish Prison Service Board.
He paid tribute to the organisation and its staff saying: “NHS Fife strives to deliver the highest quality care for the people of Fife.
“That is what matters most and I thank all of our staff for their unstinting dedication and professionalism.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to serve alongside caring and committed staff in an organisation that does vital work for Fife’s communities.”
Ms Robison has thanked Mr Burns for the “considerable” time and effort he has devoted to the health board during his term.
“I am grateful for his personal commitment and the leadership that he has shown in the role, and wish him all the best for the future,” she added.
