The chairman of NHS Lothian has resigned – just over a week after the chief executive confirmed his intention to retire.
Brian Houston has quit after being in the role since 2013, meaning the health board now has two leadership positions to fill.
Last Wednesday chief executive Tim Davison announced he would retire after eight years running NHS Lothan.
After hearing of his colleague’s decision, Mr Davison said: “It is with great regret that we learn of Brian Houston’s resignation as chair of the NHS Lothian board.
“He has been a fantastic chairman, highly visible in his role and bringing to us a wealth of useful and relevant insight and experience from his previous, highly successful career.
“Over the last seven years he has led the board with intelligent curiosity, rigour and vision, championing an innovation and quality agenda and supporting a kinder, values based culture.
“I’d like to thank Brian on my behalf and on behalf of my leadership team for the constructive challenge, support and wise counsel he has provided to us. He will be much missed by all of us and we wish him every future happiness.”
An emergency meeting of non-executive board members will take place on Monday and it is believed Mr Houston has offered to help whoever replaces him transition into the role.
Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: “NHS Lothian has not had its troubles to seek but this news is a huge blow to an already fragile workforce that is now losing a second member of its senior management following the recent announcement of the retiral of their chief executive.”
Health secretary Jeane Freeman has accepted Mr Houston’s resignation.
She said: “Brian Houston has undertaken the role of chair of NHS Lothian since 2013 and I would like to wish him all the best for the future.
“Arrangements for an interim chair will be announced shortly.”
Story by local democracy reporter David Bol
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