NHS Ayrshire and Arran chief executive quits amid £33m black hole

NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s chief executive has quit to pursue further academic study while the health board faces a £33m black hole.

Claire Burden has served as chief executive since 2022, leading the organisation through the early post-pandemic period.

In a personal statement, she said it has been a privilege to serve as chief executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

“Over the past three years, I have had the honour of working alongside exceptional colleagues and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in service of our patients and communities,” Burden said.

“Now is the right time for a new chief executive who can build on this work and continue to drive forward sustainable improvements in the health and wellbeing of Ayrshire citizens.”

NHS Ayrshire and Arran's chief executive, Claire Burden, will be stepping down — NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s chief executive, Claire Burden, will be stepping down NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Burden previously took “extended leave” from her role, and Professor Gordon James stepped in as interim chief executive earlier this month.

At his first board meeting, he was told the service is projecting a £33m shortfall for the year, with the service already overspending by £11m just three months into the current financial year.

Last year the board posted a deficit of more than £50m, which was covered by a last-minute loan from the Scottish Government.

However, the Government has said no brokerage is available this year.

While the board maintained a projected deficit of £33m, the figure could be much higher if it follows the same levels of overspend as the first quarter.