There’s a new head of healthcare in Ayrshire and Arran as the latest chief executive of the area’s health board starts work.

Claire Burden, right joined the Ayrshire and Arran health board two weeks ago following the announcement in November of her appointment to the top job.

Ms Burden was previously deputy chief executive at Whipps Cross Hospital in north-west London.

She takes over from Professor Hazel Borland, who had been acting as the interim chief executive, after former chief executive John Burns stood down from the health board in June 2021 to become NHS Scotland’s chief operating officer.

Lesley Bowie, chair of the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, said: “On behalf of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, I am delighted to welcome Claire to the team.

“I would like to give my sincere thanks to Professor Hazel Borland for leading NHS Ayrshire and Arran, following the departure of our former chief executive John Burns in June 2021.

“Claire brings a wealth of skills and quality improvement experience, as well as a focus on transformation, which will drive NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s strategic ambition, ‘Caring for Ayrshire’, to reform heath and care, ensuring we improve health outcomes and achieve the healthiest life possible for our citizens.”