NHS Shetland Chief Executive Michael Dickson will take on the role of Interim Chief Executive of NHS Orkney, alongside NHS Shetland, from today 1st of July.

This will be an interim arrangement, to see The Board through the winter and until a recruitment process can be undertaken.

Meghan McEwan, Chair of NHS Orkney said:

“Iain Stewart will not be taking up the role of Chief Executive and Accountable Officer with NHS Orkney.

“Iain has provided us with a valuable contribution as Gold Commander during our Covid-19 response phase and has demonstrated a commitment to listening and putting staff at the heart of how we do our business.  I would like to thank him for his service and wish him well.

“NHS Orkney needs to look to the future and I believe Michael will help steer us through the recovery and renewal process as we restart our services and adapt to our changing environment.”

Michael brings with him a wealth of experience of remote, island and rural healthcare service delivery.

Michael Dickson said of his interim appointment:

“Both chairs from NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland routinely share good practice and innovation to support the delivery of high quality care to our respective island communities.

“I see this appointment as an extension of that mutual support.  I am really looking forward to meeting the teams, working together and building on the bright and sustainable future ahead for healthcare in Orkney.”​

Orkney LibDem MSP, Liam McArthur, who had questioned the continued employment of Iain Stewart in his role as Chief Executive of NHS Orkney after it was revealed he had made trips south during lockdown said:

“As soon as news emerged last month that Iain Stewart had been less than upfront about his travel during lockdown, his position as head of NHS Orkney became untenable and his departure inevitable.

“At a time when staff across the organisation have been going above and beyond in response to the current pandemic, this has been an unwelcome distraction that NHS Orkney did not need nor could it afford.

“Hopefully, Mr Stewart’s departure will draw a line under this unfortunate episode and allow the board and management to focus their full attention on more important matters.

“Meanwhile, I welcome confirmation that NHS Shetland Chief Executive, Michael Dickson has agreed to take over in an interim capacity. He has a strong track record and is perfectly placed to pick up the reins immediately.  I certainly look forward to working with him over the coming months”.

Related story: NHS Orkney Covid19 Testing Figures