Councillor Stevenson Appointed to Vital NHS Orkney Role

Councillor Jean Stevenson has been elected by her fellow Councillors to represent Orkney Islands Council as a non-executive director on the board of NHS Orkney.

A close vote in the Council chamber saw Councillor Stevenson defeat Councillor John Ross Scott 11 - 10  - with Councillor Heather Woodbridge having been knocked out of the running in an earlier vote.

The post on the NHS Orkney Board became vacant following the resignation from the role of Councillor Steven Heddle, who wishes to spend more time on his duties as a councillor and vice-president of COSLA.

Councillor Stevenson's appointment will now go the Scottish Government for approval and if successful she will hold the role until May 2027, the end of the Council term.

Councillor Stevenson brings 'cradle to grave' experience in health care - having begun her working life as a nurse at the Balfour Hospital before moving on to midwifery, then open heart surgery nursing in Glasgow and Toronto and then on to care of the elderly at the old Eastbank Hospital in Kirkwall.

She spent many years in Sweden teaching medical English, before carrying out research into technology in healthcare and being awarded a PHD in the field.

Speaking on her appointment Councillor Stevenson said: "Health is a theme that has permeated my career that spans several decades - during which time I have been dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in health care, through evidence-based practice, informed decision making and risk management.

"NHS Orkney plays a vital role in our island community - and it's important that Orkney Islands Council has a seat at their table. I'm delighted to have received the backing of fellow councillors for taking this seat and I'm looking forward to using my experience, knowledge and passion to help shape local health services for our communities.”