The former Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals for NHS Lothian has been confirmed as the Scottish government’s Chief Nursing Officer.

Professor Alex McMahon has been doing the job on an interim basis since October following the resignation of Professor Amanda Croft for personal reasons in August after less than a year in the role.

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has professional responsibility for the nursing, midwifery and allied health professions as well as Scotland’s health care science workforce.

Professor McMahon will also be responsible for professional and will provide policy advice for ministers on a range of health-related issues.

Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf welcomed Professor McMahon’s appointment:

"He brings a wealth of experience and excellent leadership to this key position as we continue to face up to the challenges of the covid pandemic.

"I know he will work collaboratively with health and social care staff across the country as we continue to remobilise NHS Scotland and ensure people access the right care, in the right place.

"With his strong professional background, I am confident he will help drive our work to get the health service back on track after the challenges of the past year.”

Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair, said: “It will be good to have some stability in this vital role, particularly at a time when it is so important to have national professional leadership for nurses and nursing in Scotland.

"...Since he took up the position of Interim CNO in October, we have established a very positive working relationship with Alex.”

Alex McMahon began his nurse training in 1983 and is a registered mental health and general nurse.

After working as head of policy at the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, Professor McMahon moved to the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca as head of government affairs for Scotland and Ireland before joining the Scottish government and then NHS Lothian.

He is an honorary professor at both the University of Stirling and Queen Margaret University.

Professor McMahon said he was delighted to be taking up the role of CNO, and paid tribute to his colleagues:

"Our workforce have been at the heart of Scotland's response to the pandemic, and we know the challenges everyone working across our NHS and social care sector face as we head into one of the toughest winters in recent times.

"I have been struck by the dedication and commitment of our health and social care staff during the past two months and pay tribute to their efforts during this unprecedented time."

The appointment is for an initial period of three years.

The Scottish government says the role was advertised externally and the recruitment took place in accordance with the civil service recruitment principles.

 

Read more: Maternity services face “chronic” staffing gaps; Scotland’s nursing gap at ‘record high’;’ Scotland’s chief nurse resigns after less than a year.

 

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox.