NHS Orkney appoint new nursing director

A new director of nursing, midwifery & allied health professionals has been appointed for NHS Orkney.

It has been announced that David McArthur, who has worked for NHS Orkney since 2016 as the practice development manager in theatres, will be taking on the role.

David trained and practiced initially as a Psychiatric Nurse in Glasgow in the early 1980s, before training as a general nurse. An Operating Theatre and Acute Care specialist by background, he has worked in a variety of settings in both the NHS and the third sector, and has deployed on a number of occasions as an Army Reservist to Afghanistan and Iraq.

David is looking forward to getting to grips with his new role.

“The development of our new hospital and healthcare facility means this a really exciting time to be part of NHS Orkney,” he said.

“Our nurses, midwives and AHPs provide the highest level of care and meet the challenges of working in a remote and rural location with skill and good humour.”

NHS Orkney chief executive Cathie Cowan is delighted that David has accepted this post.

“David has worked with us for just under two years and during this time he has made a substantial contribution to services here in NHS Orkney.  David is an experienced and influential leader,” she said.

“His combined strong clinical background, third sector and MOD including Scottish Government experience will be of huge value as we work more with partner organisations to deliver care and services. He will be a great asset as we prepare for the move into the new Hospital and Healthcare Facility and beyond.”