The chief executive who stepped into steady the ship at NHS Tayside after reports of financial irregularities arose is to step down at the end of the year.
Malcolm Wright, who is also head of NHS Grampian, took over at Tayside after Lesley McLay was placed on sick leave amid revelations that charity funds had been used to shore up ailing finances.
Mr Wright will be retiring from his Grampian role in August, but will remain as Tayside chief executive until the end of the year.
While admitting there are “challenges” at NHS Tayside, he has pledged to oversee a “transformation” of the health board.
He said: “I have been clear since I took up a post here in Tayside that I felt it was an honour to be asked to lead this organisation.
“I have had the opportunity over the last eight weeks to meet many members of staff in their workplaces and my observation since the first day in post is that we have superb staff here in Tayside.
“We cannot escape the fact that NHS Tayside is facing a number of challenges, however, I know that the healthcare professionals here are totally committed to leading service redesign and ensuring patients continue to receive safe and effective, high-quality care.
“Everyone I have met has not only shown professionalism and commitment to health services, but has demonstrated that there is a real optimism and determination at the frontline and a desire to get involved with redesign.
“Both the chairman and I are confident that by working with all staff, staffside partners, Health and Social Care Partnerships, Local Authorities, universities, our elected representatives and the public – and being open and transparent about the way we do things and making decisions together – we can make the difference here in Tayside.
“I have made a commitment to NHS Tayside and the people of Tayside that I am up for this challenge. I’m really looking forward to working hard over the coming months and leading the development of plan which will deliver the transformation needed for health and social care.”
