NHS Ayrshire & Arran chief on 'extended leave' as 'temporary cover' announced
A new chief executive is coming to NHS Ayrshire & Arran to lead the health board on a 'temporary basis,' Ayrshire Live can tonight reveal.
We can exclusively reveal that Professor Gordon James, from NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital, is to take on the CE role as from tomorrow (August 1).
News of the appointment has been met with surprise and speculation is already mounting over the long term future of present incumbent Claire Burden, who is now on 'extended leave'.
In a statement from NHS Golden Jubilee they said they were 'pleased' to announce that Carolynne O'Connor had been appointed as Chief Executive of their Clydebank-based operation on a temporary basis, effective from tomorrow (Friday 1 August 2025.)
Their statement continues: 'Her appointment follows the announcement that Professor Gordon James has been asked to take up the post of Chief Executive at NHS Ayrshire & Arran on a temporary basis. The Board extends its full support to both Carolynne and Gordon as they take on their new responsibilities.'
Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee, Susan Douglas-Scott, from Ayrshire, said: 'On behalf of the Board I want to thank Gordon for the leadership he has shown since joining NHS Golden Jubilee in December 2022. This new role is a recognition of his strengths and experience, and while we will miss his presence, we're delighted that his talents will benefit the wider NHS in Scotland.'
Professor Gordon James, who joined NHS Golden Jubilee in December 2022, will take up his position at NHS Ayrshire & Arran from 1 August.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran said in a statement: 'NHS Ayrshire & Arran can confirm that its Chief Executive, Claire Burden, will be on a period of extended leave from 31 July 2025.
'Professor Gordon James will commence on 1 August 2025 as Interim Chief Executive and Accountable Officer to provide leadership during this period of absence.
'Gordon has been the Chief Executive at NHS Golden Jubilee since December 2022 and previously held the role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer in NHS Scotland, as well as having significant prior leadership and senior management experience across the NHS and in the private and public sector.'
The statement adds: 'Cover arrangements have been put in place for his responsibilities within NHS Golden Jubilee.'
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