Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care
Christine McLaughlin was appointed Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care in September 2026.
Responsibilities
The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland provides strategic direction to the NHS in Scotland and drives performance, efficiency, value for money and the delivery of sustainable safe, effective and person-centred services – currently with a particular focus on the operational response to the COVID-19 emergency.
The Director General for Health and Social Care is responsible for maintaining a high standard of care for the people of Scotland and for providing support to Scotland's health and social care professionals.
The Director-General Health and Social Care is a member of the Scottish Government's Corporate Governance Board.
Biography
Christine has been interim Director General since the retirement of Caroline Lamb in August 2026. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Scotland and has held a number of Director roles in the Scottish Government spanning Population Health, the Covid-19 response, Finance and Digital.
Christine began her career as a management trainee in NHS Scotland and is a chartered public finance accountant. She held senior finance roles in NHS Scotland and has worked across the UK in management consulting roles, delivering major public service transformation, before joining the Scottish Government in 2010. She is passionate about improving health through preventative action and championing digital and innovative solutions to improve the quality and effectiveness of care.