NHS Tayside chairman resigns

The Chairman of Tayside NHS Board Professor John Connell has resigned with immediate effect. Professor Connell, said, “It has been an absolute privilege to provide leadership to NHS Tayside over the last 30 months; I am acutely aware of the outstanding efforts of all staff to deliver safe and effective healthcare to the population of the region. I have always maintained a focus on safe patient care and ensuring staff are supported to deliver that at all times. I am very pleased that this has not been compromised during a difficult financial period.

“I believe that NHS Tayside is set on the correct course to transform its services and maintain safe health and care for Tayside. I know that my successor will have the support of a superb group of healthcare professionals in taking this forward.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison said it was "right decision" following the announcement.

The news comes in just as Health Secretary Shona Robison has announced that she will be exercising Ministerial powers of intervention and moving NHS Tayside to the highest level of escalation.