Professor Jann Gardner has been appointed as the new chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Professor Gardner will take over from Glasgow’s current CEO Jane Grant in February 2025, who is retiring after 40 years of service.

A former pharmacist, Professor Gardner has led neighbouring board NHS Lanarkshire since December 2022.

Her new appointment has been welcomed by Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray:

“She is an experienced leader within Scotland’s health service, and I am confident she will make a positive impact in her new role, helping the board to deliver positive outcomes and high-quality treatment and care for the people of Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”

Starting her career as a clinical pharmacist in the northeast of England, Professor Gardner worked progressively through senior clinical and management roles in Scotland before her 2015 appointment as deputy chief executive and chief operating officer of NHS Fife.

She then spent almost three years leading the national NHS Golden Jubilee, where she also headed up health innovation body InnoScot Health, before moving onto NHS Lanarkshire.

As chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Professor Gardner continued to lead innovation efforts in the health service, as chair of both the Scottish Strategic Network for Genomic Medicine and the Scottish Screening Committee.

Professor Gardner said she is “delighted” at her appointment at what is “a truly exciting time in the NHS as we work to reform health and social care services”:

“As someone with a clinical background, it is a privilege to be joining an organisation with such an outstanding reputation for clinical excellence.

“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has so much capability within its fantastic staff and services, who work to deliver the best of care to its diverse population.

“I am excited to work with them and our partners to find new solutions and opportunities to tackle the significant population health challenges we face.

“I look forward to bringing all my experience and passion for innovation, technology, partnership working and clinical excellence to the health board as we work together to improve the experience for our patients and staff.”

Chair of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dr Lesley Thomson KC, said:

“Jann has vast experience and expertise in healthcare management, and a proven track record in working in collaboration to deliver innovation and new ways of working within two health boards. 

“As we look to the future, Jann has the vision, skills and experience to lead the organisation to deliver the best possible health and care for our patients.”

 

Read more: NHS Scotland forms landmark partnership; NHS launches good ideas accelerator; 

 

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