NHS Scotland Chief Executive Faces Criticism for Lack of Hospital Visits

NHS Scotland’s chief executive, Caroline Lamb, has not visited a hospital in over a year, prompting significant concern about her engagement with the health service amid ongoing challenges. The last recorded visit was on July 26, 2024, at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, near Falkirk. Since her appointment in January 2021, Lamb has only made 25 site visits, with a notable decline in recent years—just four visits in 2023 and two so far in 2024.

Critics have voiced their discontent regarding the chief executive’s absence from facilities as the health service grapples with increasing waiting lists and operational crises. Dr Sandesh Gulhane, the Scottish Conservative health spokesman, stated that the public would be “stunned” to learn of Lamb’s lack of engagement, especially as one in six Scots currently face lengthy waits for treatment. He remarked, “The £200,000-a-year NHS chief has her head in the sand while all around, the health service is in permanent crisis under the SNP.”

In a similar vein, Jackie Baillie, deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, criticized Lamb’s absence, calling it a “dereliction of her duties.” She emphasized the importance of witnessing the daily realities faced by hardworking frontline staff, who contend with long emergency department wait times and deteriorating hospital conditions.

Moreover, Lamb has not visited Scotland’s two largest hospitals—Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary—since April 2023 and March 2022, respectively. This information emerges as only 64.9 percent of accident and emergency patients were seen within the four-hour target last week, underscoring the urgent need for leadership presence and accountability.

In response to the criticism, a Scottish Government spokesperson defended Lamb, stating that the Director General for Health & Social Care maintains daily contact with senior NHS leaders and engages with NHS staff, local patients, and carers.

The ongoing debate about executive compensation in the NHS has also resurfaced, with reports indicating that 65 health board chiefs earn six-figure salaries, collectively amounting to approximately £10 million a year. The highest-paid executive, Paul Bachoo of Grampian, receives £252,500, which is significantly higher than First Minister John Swinney‘s salary of £135,605. Labour’s Carol Mochan has called for a reevaluation of these salaries, suggesting that funds should be redirected to support frontline services struggling with patient backlogs and long treatment waiting times.

As the NHS continues to face mounting challenges, the scrutiny of leadership decisions, particularly regarding hospital engagement and compensation, highlights the complexities of managing health services during a time of crisis. With increasing public concern and pressure from political figures, the leadership of NHS Scotland must navigate these issues carefully to restore trust and improve patient care.