No chief executive in place for NHS A&A until Autumn at earliest

The health service had initially hoped for a quick turnaround after previous chief John Burns left on July 1 to take up the Chief Operating Officer post at NHS Scotland.

Despite receiving a good response from an initial advert, which sought applications by June 21, interviews will now take place in early September following a extension to August 9 for applicants.

The appointment will come at a time of continued stress for all NHS services, with the pressure of the pandemic being followed by the need to address the build up of a waiting list for surgeries and treatment and the inevitable increase in people using the service in the Winter months.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran employs 11,145 people, who have been overseen by Interim Chief Executive Hazel Borland since July 1.

While there have been some notable instances of outgoing Chief Executive’s receiving ‘golden handshake’ payments on stepping down, NHS Ayrshire and Arran insist no such payment has been made to Mr Burns.

Ms Leslie said: “The post for the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Chief Executive role was advertised on May 31 with an initial closing date of June 21.

“The original timetable provided potential applicants only three weeks to fully consider the post before applying and we agreed an extended closing date of August 9.

“Whilst we received a good response to the advert for the Chief Executive role this extended closing date ensured it could be advertised as widely as possible to potential candidates from throughout the UK, as well as allowing adequate time for applications to be submitted which was important over the summer holiday period.

“Formal interviews are scheduled for September 7.

“Arrangements are underway and the job pack describes the key role of the Chief Executive in remobilising health and care, as well as in improving public health and wellbeing for Ayrshire and Arran.”

She said the start date would be determined once a candidate had been appointed.