A BORDERS health boss has announced his retirement this summer.

Ralph Roberts, chief executive of NHS Borders, will step down from the role he held for 13 years.

Mr Roberts said: “By September 2024 I will have worked in the NHS for over 35 years, and as a Chief Executive for 13 years; firstly in NHS Shetland and then for the last five and a half years in NHS Borders.

“It has been a privilege to lead the organisation through the Covid Pandemic and subsequent challenges associated with recovery and remobilisation of services.

"One of the real pleasures of my role is seeing the difference our staff make to patients, carers and the wider community every day, and I am very grateful for their continued dedication and professionalism, despite the relentless pressure that they are under."

The health board has now agreed with the Scottish Government to progress with the recruitment of a new chief executive.

Mr Roberts shared that this is "the right time" for him to retire, and allows him to "explore new opportunities".

He added: “Having reached this stage in my life, I have decided that this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities. It also provides the opportunity for NHS Borders to identify a new Chief Executive who can commit themselves to leading the organisation for an extended period as we implement the changes that are required to address the challenges that we face.   

“I am fully committed to doing everything I can to take NHS Borders forward over the next six months; to protect our services and staff and to support a smooth transition to whoever takes on the role next.”