NHS Borders boss to leave

Although exact dates have still to be confirmed, Mr Campbell is expected to leave the region’s health authority – where he replaced John Glennie – next month.

Announcing his departure, NHS Borders said former professional footballer Mr Campbell had “inspired” colleagues with his straight-forward approach and commitment to patient safety.

Mr Campbell, who began as a nurse in 1984 and was acting chief executive with ABM University NHS Trust in Wales before taking up his NHS Borders role, said he is exceptionally proud of the high-quality health care services that exist in the Borders.

“I have been privileged to work with dedicated teams who continually strive to deliver excellence in person-centred care, and would like to thank everyone for their continual commitment to NHS Borders which has resulted in us being one of the best performing health boards in Scotland,” he said.

“I now look forward to the challenges that lie ahead in my new role in Lanarkshire.”

John Raine, NHS Borders chairman, said the appointment as chief executive of one of the largest Scottish health boards is testimony to Mr Campbell’s abilities.

Asked if he thought Mr Campbell’s reign over Borders health services had been at all controversial, Mr Raine said his colleague could probably be described as “very firm, but fair”.

And he added: “I have held a number of public sector chairmanships over the years, and worked with various chief executives, and I’d have to say that Calum is the best I have ever worked with on many fronts.”

Asked if the majority of NHS Borders staff would agree with his comments, Mr Raine felt most would be complimentary.

He went on: “I suppose if you were to canvas every level of the staff, it might be possible to find someone who would say otherwise.

“But Calum has carried the executive team with him and his replacement will have very big shoes to fill.”