New post for Kinniburgh

NHS SHETLAND chairman Ian Kinniburgh has been appointed to also chair the health board in neighbouring Orkney.

Kinniburgh will take up his additional post on 1 December when the current chair John Ross Scott is due to stand down.

He said chairing two individual health boards would be beneficial to both organisations.

“I remain passionately committed to the NHS and I believe working across both Shetland and Orkney will allow me to support the organisations to address the challenges they are facing and to promote the sharing of experience and good practice.

“This will make no difference to the independence of either Health Board and I will work closely with the members of both boards to ensure the best possible service continues to be delivered to both communities,” Kinniburgh said.

His appointment was announced by health secretary Shona Robison on Tuesday morning.

She said: “With an extensive public sector background, as well as his experience as chair of NHS Shetland, I know he will be well placed to take the health board forward.

“I would reassure residents in both Shetland and Orkney that Mr Kinniburgh will be able to perform the role of chair of both boards effectively and provide the time, experience and skills to lead both organisations successfully into the future.

“In addition, Mr Kinniburgh, brings a deep understanding and appreciation of the benefits and challenges of living in the northern isles.”

Kinniburgh, who also chairs the Shetland Partnership Board, served for six years as a non-executive director on the board of NHS Shetland before being appointed chair in 2009 and reappointed in 2013 for a further four years.