New district health manager for Caithness appointed

29th October 2018

NHS Highland has appointed a new district manager for Caithness with a proven track record of success in business and healthcare.

Lesley Kinloch has joined the health board following a varied career in international learning and technology before qualifying as an allied health professional (AHP).

And Lesley is looking forward to the new challenges awaiting her in the far north of Scotland.

She said: "I feel my career has provided me with the tools and experience to manage the wide spectrum of responsibilities that lie ahead in Caithness working for NHS Highland.

“I believe we must develop relationships through a willingness to listen and improved partnership working to find sustainable, long-term health and social care solutions for the people of Caithness."

Lesley enjoyed a successful career in international business with a focus on learning and technology before returning to university to pursue an MSc in her initial area of interest: health.

“I would describe the decision to complete my MSc as positive and rewarding as it challenged me in ways I had not anticipated,” she explained. “I qualified as an AHP and started working in older adult mental health in areas with a broad range of challenges.

“I then managed a range of community services before taking up my most recent operational management role within the children, families and young people's sector. I aim to draw on the skills and experience I have gained over the years to develop my role as district manager in Caithness.

“I arrive in post at an exciting time for the county, with a month remaining of the consultation on some proposed changes for health and social care in Caithness. I have spoken to colleagues and the response so far from local people has been exceptional.

“I look forward to working closely with colleagues and local communities during the remainder of the consultation and implementing the outcomes of the consultation in the future.

“I am excited and energised at the opportunities offered by this new and demanding role and can’t wait to get started.”

NHS Highland’s north area manager Michelle Johnstone said: “We are delighted to welcome Lesley to NHS Highland. She has a track record of success in her career and will bring a breadth of experience to her role.

“Her recent work in service redesign and broad knowledge across a range of service areas will be a fantastic addition to our management team in Caithness. It is an exciting time to be in Caithness and I’m looking forward to working closely with Lesley and local communities to improve health and social care services in the county.”