New NHS Scotland chief executive to ‘deliver better outcomes’ for patients

NHS Scotland’s newly appointed director general for health and social care and chief executive has said she will “improve services and deliver better outcomes” for patients in Scotland.

Christine McLaughlin was serving as interim director general since August this year after the retirement of Caroline Lamb.

She was also previously chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at NHS Scotland.

She will spearhead a programme of reform in NHS Scotland, aiming to boost performance and ensure sustainability of its services.

Ms McLaughlin said: “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed to this role at such a pivotal moment for our health and care services, supporting the government’s ambitious programme of reform.

“I look forward to working with people across the system to continue to improve services and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland.”

Cabinet secretary for health and care Angela Constance said: “Our NHS reforms will remove duplication, variability, organisational boundaries and bureaucracy to ensure people across Scotland, regardless of where they live, receive the best treatment and care.

“I am pleased to welcome Christine to this significant and influential leadership role in the Scottish health sector.

“Her extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering change across complex systems will be an asset in delivering our ambition for sustainable, high-quality health and social care services for Scotland.”