Senior health and social care appointments

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has welcomed the appointment of three new health and social care leaders in the Scottish Government.

Caroline Lamb has been appointed Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Scottish Government Director General Health and Social Care. A former Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland, Ms Lamb joined the Scottish Government in 2019. Since March 2020 she has supported the response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by overseeing Test and Protect and the Vaccination Programme. Ms Lamb is expected to take up post in January 2021.

Dr Gregor Smith has been appointed Chief Medical Officer. A former GP and Medical Director for Primary Care in NHS Lanarkshire, Dr Smith joined the Scottish Government in 2012 and was appointed interim CMO in April 2020. Dr Smith takes up the post with immediate effect.

Professor Amanda Croft has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer. A former Chief Executive of NHS Grampian, she brings over 30 years of experience across acute and primary health care services to the role.  She is expected to start in February 2021, working alongside current CNO Professor Fiona McQueen who retires in March.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: 

''I want to congratulate Caroline Lamb, Dr Gregor Smith and Professor Amanda Croft on their appointments to these crucial roles. All three bring a wealth of experience and I know they will work collaboratively with health and social care staff across the country as we continue to respond to the Covid pandemic, remobilise NHS Scotland and ensure people access the right care, in the right place.

“I also want to extend my personal thanks to Elinor Mitchell and John Connaghan for the leadership they have provided in an interim capacity over the last eight months. That thanks is extended to Professor Fiona McQueen for everything she has done throughout her career, including the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and for ensuring NHS Scotland has been able to respond to the Covid pandemic. The contribution of all three has been invaluable and I wish them well for the future.”

Background
The appointments follow rigorous selection processes undertaken in accordance with the principles of fair and open recruitment and chaired by a Civil Service Commissioner.

The Civil Service Commission is responsible for upholding the principle that selection to appointments in the Civil Service must be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.