Image of Brian Chittick

Brian Chittick appointed as the new Chief Executive of NHS Shetland

We are delighted to announce that Brian Chittick has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of NHS Shetland and will take up post on 1 July.

Brian is a skilled director and registered dentist with a history of successful delivery within health and care. Since joining NHS Shetland in 2015, Brian has worked as a Senior Dental Officer, Dental Director, Medical Director and latterly, as the Director of Community Health and Social Care.  Brian was hugely instrumental in the Board’s response to the pandemic and recognises how critical strong partnership working within Shetland is. Brian is enthusiastic and passionate about NHS Shetland and also the community in which he lives and works.

Prior to joining NHS Shetland Brian was a Dental Officer in the Royal Navy for 23 years and served in HM Ships Fearless, Albion and Ocean. He took up operational and strategic planning roles within the Defence Medical Services and deployed on two operational tours in the Middle East where he was part of the Headquarter staff responsible for the provision of holistic military medical healthcare in both land and maritime operations.

Brian said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to become Chief Executive of NHS Shetland, an organisation I have taken great pleasure in working for over the last eight years. I know the commitment staff have to delivering high quality services and have witnessed so many examples of people going above and beyond in support of our community. I am looking forward to building on the work of the Board to date as we leave behind the pandemic and head into a brighter future for health and care provision in Shetland.”

Chair Gary Robinson said: “There is no doubt about Brian’s dedication to NHS Shetland and his commitment to continually improving our services through partnership working. Brian has a strong track record in delivering change, and his focus on organisational cultural improvement, as well as staff wellbeing and engagement, will also help us to ensure that our staff feel listened to and supported.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Michael Dickson who leaves us at the end of June to take up the role of Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service.”

Caroline Lamb, Chief Executive NHS Scotland, said she was pleased to welcome Brian Chittick into the role of NHS Shetland Chief Executive and that his appointment built on the already strong relationship between partner organisations and the NHS in Shetland.

“Brian brings to the role of Chief Executive a deep understanding and appreciation of what it takes to provide health and social care in one of Scotland’s most remote island communities. His insight into the importance of partnership working makes him a unique fit for this role. I look forward to working with him.”

Published: Tuesday, 30th May 2023