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NHS Shetland chairman takes over Orkney post

Ian K
Ian Kinniburgh has been named as the new chairman of the NHS Orkney Board.

The chairman of NHS Shetland is to take on the responsibilities of the chairman of NHS Orkney.

Mr Ian Kinniburgh will take up the post on December 1, when the current chairman, John Ross Scott, is due to stand down.

The announcement was made by cabinet secretary for health, wellbeing and sport, Shona Robison, this 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. It was on this clear commitment that this appointment has been made.

“In addition, Mr Kinniburgh, brings a deep understanding and appreciation of the benefits and challenges of living in the Northern Isles.

Mr Kinniburgh worked initially as a senior manager in local government and then owned and operated a successful environmental business for ten years, until 2010.

From 2003, he served for six years as a non-executive director on the board of NHS Shetland. This included four years as vice-chairman, when he gained experience across all areas of governance before being appointed chairman in 2009; and reappointed in 2013 for a further four years.

Mr Kinniburgh said “ I am very pleased to have been appointed to this new role. 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.”