NHS Grampian has appointed Adam Coldwells as interim chief executive, as Prof Caroline Hiscox taking on the same post at NHS Tayside.

Prof Hiscox will take on the role on an interim basis in December when the current chief executive, Prof Grant Archibald, retires.

Chief Executive of NHS Scotland, Caroline Lamb said: “I would like to thank Grant for his service and Caroline for accepting this interim position. Her extensive experience will help to ensure that quality of care continues to be prioritised for patients in Tayside and across the North of Scotland.”

No stranger to NHS Tayside, Prof. Hiscox worked for the Health Board for three years as associate nurse director before joining NHS Grampian. She said: “I am delighted to be asked to lead NHS Tayside and feel sure that, by working with colleagues across its health and social care system, we will be able to explore new ways of improving both staff and patient experience.”

NHS Grampian Chair Alison Evison added: “Caroline’s inclusive management style and patient-centred approach has served NHS Grampian well and contributed hugely to our organisation’s positive culture. 

“Caroline has worked to develop a whole system approach to better serve our residents across Grampian and her appointment to NHS Tayside will give opportunities to consider regional partnerships. I wish Caroline every success in her new role.”

Prof. Hiscox was appointed chief executive of NHS Grampian in October 2020 after five years with the Health Board, three as nurse director.

In addition to leading the organisation through the pandemic, she has set it on course towards achieving the internationally renowned Magnet accreditation and introduced a new collaborative approach to management. 

She will formally take up the post of chief executive for NHS Tayside from 11 December 2023. 

In addition to three years as Prof. Hiscox’s deputy, new NHS Grampain chief executive Mr Coldwells has spent 27 years working across Grampian in hospital, community and system-wide roles, including spear-heading the formation of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership as its chief officer and the development of NHS Grampian’s Plan for the Future as its director of strategy.