8 hours ago
NHS Grampian: New chief executive to lead struggling health board
A new chief executive has been appointed by NHS Grampian, as the health board faces significant financial challenges. Laura Skaife-Knight, who is currently in a similar role at NHS Orkney, will take up the role when interim boss Dr Adam Coldwells retires in the Grampian is trying to implement £23m in savings amid a huge overspend. The health board had been escalated to stage four of NHS Scotland's National Performance Framework over concerns about its finances and governance.
Ms Skaife-Knight has worked for the NHS for 20 years, including spending time in England. She said she was looking forward to joining NHS Grampian, and recognised the "immediate challenges ahead". The new chief executive will oversee a savings plan which includes services being stopped or reduced on public are also planned to a service providing spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients, their relatives and carers and to Grampian has the highest forecasted financial overspend across NHS Scotland for the year ahead - despite it getting a Scottish government loan of more than £67m to tackle the health board's chairwoman, Alison Evison, welcomed Ms Skaife-Knight's said: "Laura joins us at a challenging time, but I know that as a leader and chief executive known for putting people first that she already recognises that NHS Grampian's talented staff and proven ability to deliver the very best care."
