A new chief executive of NHS National Services Scotland has been announced.

Mary Morgan, who is currently director of strategy, performance and transformation at NSS, will take on the role in April next year.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said Ms Morgan's “wealth of experience” in NHS Scotland would be “invaluable" to the covid response.

NSS is responsible for supporting NHS boards across Scotland in a range of areas from procurement, logistics and IT to the setting up and running of national specialist services.  

Through the pandemic it has sourced and distributed PPE to hospitals, primary care services and the social care sector. The board received nearly £400m in extra covid funding from the Scottish government earlier this year. 

Current boss Colin Sinclair took on the role in 2016 after more than 25 years in the logistics and supply chain industry.

“Mary has a wealth of experience in NSS and NHS Scotland. Looking forward to working with her over coming months on covid-19 response and transition to her leadership,” he tweeted.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Mary Morgan’s extensive experience within the public sector will be an asset to NSS as they continue to deliver services to support the efficient and effective operation of the NHS in Scotland.

“Mary comes with a wealth of experience from NHS Scotland acquired during her roles with Health Protection Scotland, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and her role following the necessary pause in ensuring delivery of NHS Lothian’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

“Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable as NSS continues its crucial role in supporting the NHS through the current crisis.”

NSS Chair Keith Redpath said the incoming boss would be working closely with the current CEO over the coming months.

“Given the range of critical services NSS is delivering to support Scotland’s covid response, it is good to have this period to enable an effective transition," he said.

Mary Morgan joined the National Health Service in Scotland in 1982 and worked in nursing and management roles. She moved to the strategy director role from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

Ms Morgan was last year put into NHS Lothian by the Scottish government to oversee the delivery of the new Sick Kids hospital, which had been delayed after it failed last minute safety checks.

The role of chief executive of NHS NSS was advertised at the end of September with a salary of up to £160,000.

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