I'm delighted to announce that, following a rigorous assurance process with the Trust Board and Council of Governors, Scott McLean has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive.
Scott (pictured right), is currently our Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive and will take up the Interim Chief Executive role on 1 November 2025 when Aaron Cummins, our current Chief Executive, leaves the Trust to become Chief Executive of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (L&SC ICB).
Scott joined UHMBT in July 2022, and during that time, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to our patients, colleagues and partners. His deep understanding of our organisation and his experience in the NHS across all parts of the UK and within organisations in the Republic of Ireland makes him ideally placed to lead us as we embark on the next steps in our improvement journey.
Scott brings a wealth of experience from across the NHS - including his background as a Cardiology nurse and the senior clinical and operational NHS leadership roles he has held in various organisations such as Barts Health NHS Trust, NHS Fife, and the University Hospital of Wales. Most recently, in 2024, Scott was appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Cumbria's Institute of Health.
Commenting on the appointment, Scott, said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be taking on the Interim Chief Executive role. The last three years here have been some of the best in my career and I would like to thank our Trust Board and Council of Governors for giving me the opportunity to lead the Trust as we move forward.
“I am really keen to work with colleagues across the Trust to deliver the scale of change we need to as a Trust. A key part of that for me is to listen carefully to what colleagues are telling us about how it feels to work here and what we can do together to improve the working lives of teams as we make change.
“I’m also committed to taking full advantage of the real opportunities we have within the NHS 10 Year Plan to meaningfully change the way we plan and deliver NHS services to local people - shaping them around what they need rather than doing things the way we always have. Again, this is something that will need the advice and input of the talented and experienced professionals we have working within our teams.
“Finally, I’d like to thank Aaron for his outstanding leadership of the Trust and his personal support and mentorship. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”
I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Scott on his appointment and will support him in the transition over the coming weeks and months. Interim Chief Operating Officer arrangements will be shared in due course.
I’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes to Aaron as he prepares to leave the Trust after 11 years to take up his new role. He will be missed but we are thrilled that he will be staying in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Recruitment for a permanent Chief Executive will begin in due course, and we’ll keep you updated as we know more.
ANDREW STEPHENSON CBE
CHAIR, UHMBT