NHS Grampian interim chief executive to retire later this year

NHS Grampian's interim Chief Executive has announced he will retire later this year from the under-pressure health board.

Adam Coldwells was appointed to the role in December 2023 after spending 30 years working in Grampian.

The recruitment process is already underway to find his replacement and he will remain in his post until a new chief executive is appointed.

NHS Grampian Chair Alison Evison said: “Adam’s collaborative approach and breadth of knowledge, accumulated over nearly 30 years in roles across Grampian, have been invaluable to our board.

“Recruitment for his successor is currently under way and Adam will continue to lead the organisation until a new chief executive is appointed.”

It comes at a time the health board is experiencing significant financial challenges.

In November, the health board declared a critical incident at its flagship hospital due to "extreme pressure" which saw some ambulances diverted to hospitals outside of Grampian.

The incident was stood down after less than 48 hours and Chief Executive Adam Coldwells said it was "absolutely the right thing to do to regain a sense of flow within the hospital needed at that time."

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