Argyll’s top health and social care official has resigned. Christina West’s decision to step down follows a call earlier this year by Argyll MSP Michael Russell for ‘genuine change at the top’. On Tuesday, an Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson told The Oban Times: ‘We can confirm that Christina West has resigned from her post of chief officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). She will be with us for another three months, during which time we will recruit for her replacement.’
In March, the chairman of the HSCP’s governing body, the Integrated Joint Board, apologised for the anxiety caused to staff and patients following an 11th hour decision to reject a secret list of cuts. At the time, Mr Russell blamed senior leadership for ‘a long line of blunders’.
The council spokesperson added: ‘Integration of health and social care has been one of the most significant changes in the public sector for decades. Under Christina’s leadership she leaves Argyll and Bute’s HSCP in a positive position to move forward.’