NHS Lothian has announced that its chief executive, Tim Davison, will retire in August after 8 years in the role and almost 37 years in the NHS in Scotland.
Mr Davison joined the NHS in Scotland as a graduate management trainee in 1983. He has been a chief executive in the NHS in Scotland for over 26 years, having been chief executive of three NHS Trusts in Greater Glasgow from 1994 to 2005 and then chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire for 7 years from 2005 to 2012 before taking over at NHS Lothian.
Brian Houston, Chair NHS Lothian said ‘Tim Davison is an exceptional leader who has displayed outstanding commitment to the NHS in Scotland throughout his impressive 37 year career.
“He has transformed the culture at NHS Lothian to one that is supportive and transparent and which prizes teamwork and respect. He has a formidable record of achievement and his focus on improving the quality of patient care will be a lasting legacy at NHS Lothian. We’ll be wishing him a very happy and, I’m sure, productive retirement in which to pursue his other interests”.
Mr 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 8 years at the helm of the NHS Board serving Scotland’s capital city and the surrounding Lothians.
“I am looking forward now to having time to pursue my many outside interests and to handing the baton of responsibility over to my successor to take NHS Lothian forward into the new decade.
“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. I wish them all future success and happiness’.
Mr Davison will retire in August 2020 after the usual period of notice to allow time for the recruitment of his successor.
Health secretary, Jeanne Freeman wished Mr Davison well in his retirement – but did not thank him for his service at NHS Lothian. She 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.”
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “On a personal level I pay tribute to Tim and his commitment shown to the NHS over many years.
“No one can be in any doubt at the challenge leading such a large organisation like NHS Lothian presents.
“NHS Lothian faces many significant challenges from the scandal surrounding the construction of the new Sick Kids Hospital to ongoing failure to meet waiting time targets.”
PIC: Chris Watt
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