Christine McLaughlin appointed Chief Executive of NHS Scotland

She becomes Director General for Health and Social Care as the government pursues reform of the health service.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of a hospital corridor. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

Christine McLaughlin CBE has been appointed Director General for Health and Social Care and Chief Executive of NHS Scotland.

Background

She was previously Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and had been interim Director General. She began as an NHS management trainee and joined the Scottish Government in 2010.

Reform agenda

Health Secretary Angela Constance said reforms will remove duplication, variability and bureaucracy. Ms McLaughlin said it was a privilege to take the role at a pivotal moment.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on Scottish Government, published 21 September 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.

Christine McLaughlin appointed Chief Executive of NHS Scotland

Background

Reform agenda

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