This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New Chair for Ayrshire and Arran NHS
21/11/2002
The Minister for Health, Malcolm Chisholm, has announced the appointment of a new Chair of Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust.
Miss Sandra Hood OBE will take up the position on 2 December 2002, for a period of two years.
Mr Chisholm said:
"I am delighted to announce this important new appointment. Miss Hood is an individual with great energy and enthusiasm who has demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues being faced within NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Her depth of knowledge, particularly on staff issues and health improvement will be of great benefit to both the Primary Care Trust and the NHS Board."
Mr George Irving, Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board said:
"We welcome the Minister's announcement and are delighted with the appointment of Miss Sandra Hood. With her wide experience of public service she will be an asset to our unified NHS Board and the Primary Care NHS Trust, one or our key operational wings, will benefit from her leadership and her commitment to the people of Ayrshire and Arran. We welcome the announcement and we very much welcome Sandra Hood to NHS Ayrshire and Arran."
The establishment of 15 new NHS Boards was announced in 'Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change' in December 2000. NHS Boards have been designed to simplify and rationalise existing NHS decision-making structures and create greater accountability and transparency.
Ayrshire and Arran 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 Ayrshire and Arran region. To meet those needs it has an annual budget of £375 million.
Miss Sandra Hood OBE has recently retired as the highest ranking woman police officer in Scotland, from her post as Assistant Chief Constable in Strathclyde Police. Miss Hood has held a number of positions during her career in the police force, which spanned 30 years.
Miss Hood has been a lifelong resident of Ayrshire throughout her distinguished career where she has held several command positions. The community of Ayrshire has been close to her heart and this appointment will allow her to continue the good relationships already established.
Miss Hood has not been involved in any political activity within the last five years, and has recently been appointed as a Member of the Employment Tribunal. This is a three year appointment effective from October 2002 and represents an annual commitment of 20 days for which she receives an attendance fee of £145 per day.
Miss Hood said:
"I am delighted that despite retiring from the police service, I will still be able to serve the local community."
It is expected that as Trust Chair she will contribute around three days per week for which the annual remuneration is £15,000. In her capacity as Trust Chair, Miss Hood will be appointed as a member to the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, which is remunerated at £7,000 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.
The establishment of 15 new NHS Boards was announced in 'Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change' (Scottish Executive Health Department, December 2000).
Further details were given in the policy document 'Rebuilding our National Health Service' (May 2001).
NHS Boards have been designed to simplify and rationalise existing NHS decision-making structures and create greater accountability and transparency. NHS Boards provide strategic leadership and direction in each local health system, leaving each NHS Trust free to concentrate on delivering its operational responsibilities for health care.
Trust boards have been replaced by a Trust management team, more closely focused around delivery of service to patients, and which includes the Chair and two trustees in addition to five executive directors.