This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
New chairman for Forth Valley hospitals
11/11/2002
Mr Graeme Simmers is to be appointed as Chairman of Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, it was announced today.
He will take up the position on November 12 and his appointment will be for two years.
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"I am delighted to announce this important new appointment. Mr Simmers will bring his extensive Health Service experience to the role which will benefit the people of NHS Forth Valley."
Mr Ian Mullen, Chair of Forth Valley NHS Board, said:
"Mr Graeme Simmers' background and experience, in particular his eight years experience in NHS Scotland, will prove to be invaluable in his new position within NHS Forth Valley. I am looking forward to working with him in addressing our challenging agenda."
The 15 new NHS Boards have been designed to simplify and rationalise existing NHS decision-making structures and create greater accountability and transparency.
Forth Valley NHS Board is responsible for the strategic planning of health services and the development of measures to improve the health of the community in the Forth Valley region. To meet those needs it has an annual budget of over £249.8 million.
Mr Simmers, aged 67, is a self employed Chartered Accountant and is currently a member of Stirling University Court. He has just completed a year in office as Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
He was Chairman of the Scottish Sports Council from 1992 to 1999.
He first became involved with Forth Valley health issues as a Trustee on the Stirling Royal Infirmary Trust in 1993 and became a Trustee on the Forth Valley Acute Hospitals Trust in 1999, completing his term of appointment in 2001. He was Vice Chairman of both Trusts.
Mr Simmers has not been involved in any political activity within the last five years, and does not hold any other Ministerial appointments.
It is expected that as Trust Chair he will contribute around 3 days per week for which the annual remuneration is £15,000. In his capacity as Trust Chair, Mr Simmers will be appointed as a member to the Forth Valley NHS Board, which is remunerated at £7000 per annum.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA). A statement of validation from the Independent Assessor appointed by OCPA has been obtained. This confirms full compliance with the OCPA Code of Practice at each stage of the appointments process.