Edinburgh's Sick Kids Hospital saga rumbles on after the chairman of crisis-hit NHS Lothian resigned citing “fundamental and irreconcilable differences” with the Scottish health secretary.
The Daily Record is reporting that Brain Houston has left his post amid ongoing issues with the £150 million flagship building.
Problems with the hospital's ventilation system saw a June opening postponed just days before it was due to start treating patients.
NHS Lothian chief executive Tim Davison said: “It is with great regret that we learn of Brian Houston's resignation as chair of the NHS Lothian board.
He has been a fantastic chairman, highly visible in his role and bringing to us a wealth of useful and relevant insight and experience from his previous, highly successful career.”
A public inquiry is planned over delays at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) -commonly known as the Sick Kids.
While crisis-hit NHS Lothian has found itself placed in special measures by the Scottish government.
Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: “This news is another example of the SNP’s dire mismanagement of our health service in Scotland.
“NHS Lothian has not had its troubles to seek but this news is a huge blow to an already fragile workforce that is now losing a second member of its senior management following the recent announcement of the retiral of their chief executive.
“I think what we need to establish next is what these differences between Jeanne Freeman and Mr Houston apparently mentioned in his resignation actually are and exactly what the cabinet secretary has been trying to force upon the management of NHS Lothian. “
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has accepted Houston’s resignation.
She said: “Brian Houston has undertaken the role of chair of of NHS Lothian since 2013 and I would like to wish him all the best for the future.
“Arrangements for an interim chair will be announced shortly.
“Work continues to deliver the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the department of clinical neuroscience with senior programme director Mary Morgan overseeing actions to ensure the safe delivery of the site.
