NHS Highland Medical Director Stepping Down

28th February 2019

NHS Highland announced today that Dr Rod Harvey has decided to step down from his position of Board Medical Director and take retirement with effect from the 31st August 2019.

By the time of his retirement he will have worked continuously in the NHS for thirty seven years, but nevertheless intends to return to a period of frontline clinical care as a consultant physician before stopping work altogether.

Dr Harvey, who has held the post of Medical Director since September 2014, is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist and, prior to becoming Medical Director, was the Associate Medical Director for Raigmore Hospital for five years.

Rod is looking forward to returning to a period of clinical practice and to continue his rewarding role as the Director of Examinations for the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and as an examiner for the MRCP(UK) PACES examination both in the UK and overseas.

Chief Executive, Iain Stewart, said "I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to record my grateful thanks to Rod for all of his hard work and commitment over the years to NHS Highland. He has played a major part in ensuring that people right across the Highlands and Argyll & Bute have enjoyed the highest standards of care. His contribution to shaping our services has indeed been significant and I wish him every success in the future."

Dr Harvey said: "It has been a privilege to occupy the role of Medical Director which I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am exceptionally grateful for all the support and genuine friendship that I have garnered over the time that I have been in post. However after nearly five years and at the age of 61, I think it is time to take stock.

"It has always been my desire to return to a period of front line clinical practice before ceasing work completely. This move will allow me to once again do what I have always at heart enjoyed most in medicine, which is trying to deliver individual patient care to a high standard and the best of my abilities. I am very grateful that NHS Highland has agreed to allow me to spend time on enhancing my clinical skills during my period of notice."