International expert joins health board

THE LATEST addition to the health board in Shetland is a health economist who lives in the isles but works predominantly in Africa and Asia. 

Catriona Waddington has lived on the isle of Unst since 2008, but has worked in various countries, notably Ethiopia, specialising in how to increase immunisation rates in poor countries.

She works for the HLSP Institute, based in London, who carry out work for the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department for International Development trying to improve health care in poor parts of the world.

On Tuesday Scottish health secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced Dr Waddington had been appointed to the board of NHS Shetland for four years.

Welcoming her appointment, chairman Ian Kinniburgh said: “Dr Waddington brings with her a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge gained at a high level in the health sector and has demonstrated her commitment to health improvement for all, and especially for those in economically disadvantaged countries.

“Living on Unst, Dr Waddington will also bring her perspective on healthcare provision away from mainland Shetland.”

She will replace non executive member Ann Williamson who leaves the board at the end of this month.

The post of medical director is being temporarily filled by Dr Jim Unsworth until a permanent appointment is made.