FIONA Wilson has been appointed chief officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to replace the outgoing Alison Macdonald.

She joins from her previous role as the head of health at West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, a position she held since 2020.

Fiona shared her delight at the new role and hoped her passion for improving services would be well suited for the challenge ahead in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “I’m really excited to be taking up this new and challenging role at such a critical time as we recover from the pandemic.

“My passion has always been improving services in order to ensure people receive the treatment and care they need as close to home as possible, which is where they want to be.

“I am keen to build on the good work already taking place transforming patient care and supporting the East Lothian community.

“Teamwork and listening to people are the key elements to person-centred care and, together, we can make a real difference to health, social care and wellbeing in East Lothian.”

Occupational therapist

Fiona started her career as an occupational therapist. She gained experience working in the acute hospital environment before joining Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership in 2018.

In Edinburgh, she was praised for securing funding and introducing initiatives to support prevention of admission and early discharge, as well as promoting assessment at home.

Calum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Lothian, said: “We are delighted to appoint Fiona to her new role, to which she brings a huge amount of relevant experience and an excellent understanding of the wider health and social care system.

“In her role at West Lothian, she has demonstrated tremendous commitment to collaborative working, delivering excellent services that put people at the centre.

“We know Fiona will continue to steer new initiatives and integrated models of care that are fit for the future.”

'Drive forward innovation'

Monica Patterson, chief executive of East Lothian Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Fiona on her appointment to the chief officer role.

“Fiona will build on the existing excellent work of the health and social care partnership.

“She will continue to drive forward innovation, partnership working and integrated service delivery with a focus on helping to create innovative solutions to complex issues.

“In working to lead, shape and influence the provision of health and social care services in East Lothian, Fiona will be an important member of the council management team.”