A SENIOR figure from NHS Dumfries and Galloway has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. Julie White currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, and will take on the role currently occupied by Jeff Ace when he retires at the end of March next year.
Welcoming the appointment, Chairman Nick Morris said: “I’m very pleased to announce that Julie White has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
“This is an excellent appointment, as Julie comes to this role possessing knowledge and experience from across a vast range of NHS operations, and with a firm grasp on the immediate and long-term challenges.
“All of these qualities were very much in evidence throughout the independently-led appointment process, along with first class leadership skills.
“This ability and knowledge will be called upon very quickly in order to address the significant challenges currently faced by NHS Dumfries and Galloway in areas such as its finances and the continuing work to fill vacant posts.
“However, I have no doubt about Julie’s abilities to lead NHS Dumfries and Galloway through these challenges, and commend the very high quality of this appointment.”
In addition to serving as Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Mrs White also serves as Chief Officer for the Integration Joint Board (IJB) and the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
Mrs White began her career in 1996 through the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme at NHS Lanarkshire, before becoming Commissioning Manager for Community Services with NHS Dumfries and Galloway in 1998.
She has held a variety of roles, including Commissioning Manager for Older People’s Services and General Manager posts with responsibilities for areas including community and diagnostics.
Mr Morris is meanwhile keen to recognise the contribution made by Mr Ace.
Mr Morris said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere gratitude to Jeff Ace for his 12 years as Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, which concludes 38 years of service to the NHS.
“His leadership has exemplified all the very best qualities of the NHS as an organisation, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
