NHS Orkney appoint interim chief executive

November 2, 2017 at 11:43 am

NHS Orkney have appointed Gerry O’Brien, director of Finance and Logistics with the Scottish Ambulance Service, as the interim chief executive of NHS Orkney.

Mr O’Brien previously served as director of finance with NHS Orkney. He will work alongside current chief executive Cathie Cowan until she departs to lead NHS Forth Valley, and will then formally take up his post on Monday, January 1, 2018.

Ian Kinniburgh, Chairman of NHS Orkney, is pleased that Mr O’Brien has agreed to return to Orkney to serve as interim chief executive.

“His appointment will provide continuity while we progress with plans for a permanent appointment,” he said.

“Gerry will be a well-known face to many – both working for NHS Orkney and in the general public – and I am sure he will receive a warm welcome back.”

Mr O’Brien is also pleased to be returning to Orkney to offer interim support.

“I look forward to reuniting with old colleagues and meeting up with new recruits to the team,” he said.

“I will be in regular contact with Cathie between now and my formal start date to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.”