Chief Executive of NHS Scotland to step down

Paul Gray will leave position in February.

Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director General of Health and Social Care for the Scottish Government, Paul Gray, has announced he will step down in February 2019.
 
Mr Gray took up his current posts in December 2013, following an open competition.
 
To allow time for a full external competition to appoint a permanent successor, Malcolm Wright, formerly Chief Executive of NHS Grampian and current Chief Executive at NHS Tayside, will take over as interim when Paul Gray departs.
 
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced that Grant Archibald has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of NHS Tayside. Mr Archibald has worked for NHS Scotland for 34 years and held a series of senior posts, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Services.
 
Ms Freeman said:
 
“Paul Gray has been an excellent Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland and Director General of Health and Social Care.
 
"Amongst his many achievements in this role, which was just the most recent in a long and distinguished career in public service, Paul oversaw the integration of health and social care services, which is the most significant change to our health system since the creation of the NHS.
 
“Paul will remain in post until February, continuing to lead health boards throughout the winter months. I would like to offer him my sincere and personal thanks for his work over the last five years, and my best wishes for the future contribution I know he will make.
 
“I look forward to working with Malcolm Wright, who brings a wealth of senior management experience to the role.
 
“I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Archibald as Chief Executive of NHS Tayside. He also has a strong background with more than 30 years of experience in the health service, including a number of senior roles.”

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