NHS Lothian has appointed a new chief executive following the retirement of Calum Campbell, the board’s current chief executive.

Professor Caroline Hiscox's career of more than 30 years involves corporate and public sector clinical and senior leadership roles.

She is currently serving as the interim chief executive at NHS Tayside, on secondment from her position as chief executive at NHS Grampian, which she held for three years.

At NHS Grampian, Professor Hiscox has emphasised improving patient care, promoting a healthy work culture and fostering partnerships with other public players in the region to achieve shared objectives.

She said: "These are challenging times for the NHS but I believe that by working together we achieve great things.

"I am delighted to be joining NHS Lothian, whose teams already deliver the highest quality treatment and care.

"I look forward to working with them to explore new ways to transform services against a backdrop of rising demand.

"Our goal is to ensure that quality is maintained sustainably as we strive to further reduce health inequalities, improve outcome for patients and maintain joy in our work.”

John Connaghan, chair of NHS Lothian, congratulated Professor Hiscox on her appointment.

He said: "Caroline is a highly respected board chief executive in NHS Scotland, with an impressive track-record in strategic and system leadership and a real focus on improving experiences for patients and staff.

"We look forward to working with her to build on the existing great work of our teams.”

Mr Campbell is set to retire at the end of May, and Jim Crombie, deputy chief executive, is scheduled to serve as interim chief executive until Professor Hiscox assumes her role later in the summer.