|
Ex NHS Board CEO to chair Public Health Scotland |
Related newsCOVID jags end for staff and chronically ill Partnership working for Scotland’s population health ‘Bleak picture’: health leaders react to NHS review Vision for NHS reform in coming weeks Delivery of dementia vision moves forward Briefing: Cabinet Secretary plans for health and care NHS governance must be strengthened, says watchdog Long 111 waits still issue for A&E call ahead reforms Phage therapy approved for resistant infections 580% rise in mental health calls RCN calls for urgent investment in nursing Renewed campaign to divert people from going to A&E 
|
|
Image: Public Health Scotland
|
||
|
||
|
A former chief executive of NHS 24 who retired earlier this year has been chosen to become the first permanent chair of Public Health Scotland.
Angiolina Foster takes on the role at the agency from Jim McGoldrick, who was brought in on a transitional basis during the hunt for a permanent chair.
Public Health Scotland launched in 2020 with a £50m budget and more than 1,000 staff.
Ms Foster paid tribute to the “significant national leadership” provided by the body during the pandemic.
She said: “I join Public Health Scotland at a time when our combined focus and efforts are returning to the country’s pre-existing public health challenges.
“Poverty, inequalities, poor mental health, and problem drug use alongside our covid work increasingly need our national leadership and support for local action.
“I look forward to working with the Board, our joint sponsors, and partner organisations to make a difference to people’s lives in Scotland.”
Ms Foster headed up NHS24 for four years before announcing her retirement at the end of last year.
Prior to this she held senior positions in the Scottish government, as well as leading Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Public Health Scotland chief executive Angela Leitch said: “Angiolina has extensive experience of local and national government and has worked in a range of key policy areas including health and social care, communities, and housing.
“Having most recently led one of our fellow national health boards, NHS24, our new Chair also has significant experience of health board governance. I look forward to working with Angiolina to drive forward improved outcomes in our communities, which is an ambition I know she shares.”
Announcing the appointment, Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport said: “As Chair of Public Health Scotland, Angiolina will bring considerable experience and insight that will be invaluable as the organisation continues to innovate, adapt and transform.
“She will play a significant role in ensuring Public Health Scotland strengthens and supports a whole system, partnership approach to understanding and tackling our public health challenges, making best use of our considerable public health assets to realise the vision of a Scotland where everybody thrives.
Councillor Stuart Currie, COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said Ms Foster has a “wealth of experience and knowledge from a number of high-profile positions.”
“She has exactly the skill set required for this exciting role and will play a key role in bringing the organisation’s vision of a Scotland where everyone thrives.”
Read more: Former NHS Scotland CEO moves to health board; Government appoints three new senior clinicians; Watchdogs’ concerns at NHS leadership ‘churn’; Sick Kids trouble-shooter to lead NHS NSS
Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox. |
