THE chief executive of Grampian Health Board is stepping down and taking early retirement after admitting some senior medical staff have lost confidence in the leadership of the organisation.
Richard Carey wrote an open letter to staff praising their "hard work and dedication", but said "when confidence and trust break down it is difficult to move forward collaboratively".
Last month, consultants warned staffing shortages at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) could put patients at risk.
A report into the quality and safety of care at the hospital is due to be published next month.
Bill Howatson, chairman of the health board, is also stepping down at the end of the year.
Malcolm Wright OBE has been appointed interim chief executive, moving from his position at NHS Education for Scotland.
In his letter to staff, Mr Carey said: "Recent months in NHS Grampian have not been easy.
"It is clear a cohort of senior medical staff no longer have confidence in the leadership of the organisation, both at board and executive level.
"This has been a source of great disappointment to me. When confidence and trust break down it is difficult to move forward collaboratively.
"However, when issues are raised and concerns expressed it is more important than ever to behave in a way that is mutually respectful to one another's views, opinions and contributions."
Speaking of the ARI review soon to be published, Mr Carey said: "Whatever its recommendations, it is essential that these are taken forward in a clear, focused and united way, with everyone working together towards common goals and desires.
"Disputes and disagreements between factions, poor relationships and behaviours that are not conducive to our values of caring, listening and improving must have no place in NHS Grampian.
"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."
Health Secretary Alex Neil thanked Mr Carey for his work and said the Scottish Government has worked closely with the health board to address issues.
"An immediate priority will be responding to and taking forward any recommendations from the review of care being undertaken by Healthcare Improvement Scotland at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary," Mr Neil said.
"The Scottish Government will work closely with the board on these issues, just as we have done in the past.
"For example, under this government, NHS Grampian has seen its frontline funding steadily increase.
"In 2006/07 the board received 9.1 per cent of the total revenue funding for health territorial boards - this has increased to 9.6 per cent in 2015/16. The board has been funded above the national average rate for eight of the past nine years, which means that NHS Grampian now receives over £229 million more in revenue funding than when this government came to office."
Mr Wright will take up his new position in December.
He said: "I am very much looking forward to working with the board, clinical staff and partner organisations to support and develop NHS Grampian.
"Quality of care and achieving best outcomes for patients, as well as supporting all staff, will be key priorities for me and for the leadership team in NHS Grampian.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the work of my predecessor Richard Carey. I wish him well for the future."
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