The chief executive of crisis-torn NHS Grampian is leaving his post.
Richard Carey announced in an open letter to staff today that he is taking early retirement.
The move follows months of turmoil for the north-east health board as it struggles to overcome severe staffing shortages in key areas.
The situation at NHS Grampian deepened earlier this week with the news that accident and emergency (A&E) consultant Mark Mitchelson is due to leave Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The hospital is already trying to fill three vacancies for consultants in the A&;E department and recruit four middle-grade doctors to the unit.
Mr Carey acknowledged that the last few months “have not been easy” and expressed “disappointment” that the relationship between some senior medical staff and senior management appears to have broken down.
He called on all staff to “unite” behind the next chief executive. Mr Carey spent 10 years at NHS Grampian, describing the time as his “most enjoyable” in a 33-year career in the sector.
Mr Carey stated: “I have reflected very carefully on what would be best for the organisation going forward and have reluctantly decided that the time is right for someone else to take over as chief executive. This has been a difficult decision to take but I hope it is the right one.”
Outgoing NHS Grampian board chairman Bill Howatson, who has also announced his imminent departure, said: “Richard has been an outstanding chief executive who has led the organisation with the highest levels of professionalism and dedication.
“However Richard will also be remembered for the personal and individual value he has placed on every member of staff and the opportunities he has taken every day to acknowledge the contribution they make. Richard’s legacy to NHS Grampian will live on for many years and he can move into retirement confident in the knowledge that he has made a real tangible difference to healthcare across the north of Scotland and beyond.”
Mr Carey has held a variety of senior management posts, and was formerly Chief Executive of the then Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. An honours graduate of Glasgow University, he was awarded Companionship of the Institute of Healthcare Management in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the NHS in Scotland.