Tributes as NHS Fife chief Carol Potter chairs final meeting before retiring
Tributes were made to outgoing NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter as she attended her last NHS Fife board meeting on Tuesday.
Ms Potter announced in November her plans to take early retirement.
The health board announced last week that she will be succeeded by William Edwards, current Deputy Chief Executive at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who will take up the post on April 20.
Board chairperson, Pat Kilpatrick, paid tribute to Ms Potter as she prepares to step back from her duties.
“It is a major milestone for our chief executive,” she said. “It is the last board meeting as she takes early retirement after six years here and over 30 board meetings at the helm of NHS Fife.
“Her tenure has been defined not only by what has been achieved, but by how those achievements have been delivered.
“Under her leadership, the organisation has continued to strengthen its focus on safe, high-quality care, while navigating sustained operational pressures and driving forward ambitious programmes of change and improvement.
“She has been instrumental in shaping a model that places people at its heart, patients, staff and communities alike. That is a very strong theme in her career.
“She has championed partnership working, strengthened collaboration with academical and community partners and ensured NHS Fife remains forward looking in its approach to innovation, education, and service delivery.”
Ms Kilpatrick said Ms Potter’s commitment to continuous improvement had led to a “lasting and positive impression” on the organisation.
“What has set Carol apart is compassionate leadership,” she added. “She led with humanity and kindness, never losing sight of the human impact behind every decision. She has taken the time to listen, to understand, and to support, particularly during the most difficult of times. That approach has earned her deep respect and trust across the organisation and beyond.
“On behalf of the board and everyone across NHS Fife, I want to express thanks to Carol. We wish her every happiness and fulfilment in early retirement. The legacy you have left here is significant and enduring.”
Reflecting on her career, Ms Potter added: “Over the period of time, we have had success, lots to celebrate, we have had challenges as well. When we went into the pandemic, I was only weeks in the post. What matters I guess is when we keep patients and staff and values at the forefront of everything we do. That is when the magic happens and everything else will fall into place if we keep them prioritised.”