New interim NHS Ayrshire & Arran CEO sets out his priorities

New temporary NHS Ayrshire & Arran boss Professor Gordon James set his sights on helping make improvements as he appeared at a board meeting for the first time.

The Ayrshire-born new temporary chief executive, who joined NHS Golden Jubilee in December 2022, took up his position at NHS Ayrshire & Arran on August 1.

He takes the place of incumbent Claire Burden, who is on extended leave.

Professor James told Monday’s meeting of the NHS Board: “Thanks to everyone I have met over the last week and a day. You have been nothing but welcoming to me. I would like to say thank you to them.

“I was born in Ayrshire Central Hospital and went to school in Kilmarnock so I know Ayrshire welI and am delighted to be here and to work in a team.

“I was at healthcare governance last week and also in the Kyle Ward chemotherapy unit which has a fantastic service and saw the new garden which was opened in July.

“My short term ambition was to meet the team and go out and about and be visible. I have a number of visits set up including urology and orthopaedics. I will go to Crosshouse Hospital next week.

“I am working with the board on a financial plan and the Scottish Government want to get us to a position of £25m so again I will be working with colleagues on that basis. We want to be as close to £25m as we can.

“The operational recruitment plan published by the Scottish Government is also a priority. Ayrshire delivers excellent patient quality and that is at the centre of everything we do.”

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