After more than three years in the role, Chief Executive Michael Dickson has announced that he will be leaving after being appointed as the new Chief Executive for the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Michael joined NHS Shetland on 6 January 2020 and became interim Chief Executive at NHS Orkney in June 2020.
During Michael’s time in office, he has helped lead both NHS Shetland and NHS Orkney’s response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and guided the health board through a period of transition and remobilisation.
In January 2023, he was also awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic in the New Year’s Honours List.
Reflecting on his time as Chief Executive at NHS Shetland, Michael said: “When I joined NHS Shetland, I didn't think for one moment it would have been the three years it has. I had just got my feet under the table, and experienced my first Up Helly Aa, when this new thing called Covid-19 arrived. Collectively, the whole of Shetland pulled together with an enormous community effort and things went on from there. I have seen enormous acts of kindness, from Harriet Middleton and her Maakers raising money for the Shetland MRI Scanner to colourful scrubs being sewn when we were first short of PPE, and even meeting Santa!
“It is important to recognise the level of innovation and teams' dedication to the communities, the IT team moving heaven and earth to support people to be able to work from home almost overnight, staff travelling in tractors through drifts of snow to ensure patients got their medication and the delivery of the Vanguard mobile theatre programme to allow people waiting to get much-needed procedures carried out locally.
“There have been challenges and we all made sacrifices, missing celebrations, gatherings and loved ones because we knew, although it was hard, it was the right thing to do, and we were all truly in it together.
“Throughout all of this, there are two things that have resonated with me more than any other, kindness and community. To visit Shetland is lovely, to work in Shetland a privilege, and to live in Shetland is truly special. There are few places that I can think of where the sense of community is as strong and people's kindness boundless, it is a special place and one I will miss with all of my heart.
“However, I am fortunate that because the Scottish Ambulance Service is a national service, I will retain a strong connection with Shetland, and I am thankful to continue to have the opportunity to remain connected to a place that will stay with me forever.
“Finally, I want to say thank you to the staff and community for your support while I’ve lived and worked here, it has been a privilege to head up such a brilliant team at NHS Shetland.”
Michael’s official leaving date is still to be confirmed but will be shared in due course.
NHS Shetland Board Chair Gary Robinson said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Michael for his service, hard work and dedication. We will be sorry to see him go but we wish him every success in his new role.”