James Goodyear Steps In as Interim Chief Executive of NHS Orkney

James Goodyear has been appointed as the interim chief executive of NHS Orkney, effective September 15, 2023. This decision follows the announcement by Laura Skaife-Knight, who is leaving her position to become the chief executive of NHS Grampian. Goodyear will step into the role until a permanent chief executive is appointed.

Appointment Details and Background

Goodyear joins NHS Orkney from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where he served as the executive director for strategy. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating that he feels “privileged” to take on this leadership role. “I look forward to supporting our staff through a period of change and working with the community to ensure they can provide the very best care and health outcomes for the people of Orkney,” he commented.

Davie Campbell, the interim chairman of the NHS Orkney board, welcomed Goodyear’s appointment. He noted the significance of this transitional period, saying, “This is a time of considerable change across the organisation but as a whole team, we remain entirely committed to delivering excellent patient care to our community.”

Legal Requirements and Recruitment Process

The appointment of an interim chief executive is a legal requirement for all health boards in Scotland, as mandated by the Scottish Government. To ensure compliance during the recruitment process, NHS Orkney agreed to fill the position temporarily while the search for a permanent chief executive begins. The recruitment process will soon be initiated, allowing for a thorough search for a suitable candidate.

James Goodyear’s leadership is anticipated to guide NHS Orkney through this transitional phase, emphasizing the commitment to excellent healthcare services for the residents of Orkney. As the authority prepares for change, the focus remains on maintaining high standards of care and collaboration with the local community.