SIC/NHS appoint Bokor-Ingram

NHS SHETLAND’s director for clinical services, Simon Bokor-Ingram, has been appointed to oversee the integration of health and social care services in the isles.

His appointment, announced on Monday morning, is one of the first in Scotland and is jointly funded by the health board and Shetland Islands Council.

The new director of community health and social care was appointed following a two-day recruitment exercise.

Having worked in a number of hospitals in the south of England for most of his working career, Bokor-Ingram took up the post as director of clinical services at NHS Shetland in 2008.

The past few months he also served as interim director of community care for the SIC, after that post vacated in summer this year.

Chair of the SIC’s social services committee Cecil Smith said Bokor-Ingram would continue covering both posts whilst arrangements are put in place to allow him to take up the new appointment.

“This is a welcome appointment for both organisations, and I’m looking forward to work with Simon to further develop our work to continue to provide the people of Shetland with a high standard of services,” the councillor said.

NHS Shetland chief executive Ralph Roberts added: “This is an important and key role for the future of community health and social care services in Shetland, and Simon brings a wide range of skills and experience to the post.”

The post will jointly be funded by both organisations, resulting in a £50,000 saving for the SIC which had to fund the post of director of social care in full until now.