ONLY INTERNAL EMPLOYEES OF NHS LOTHIAN WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST
Medical Director Acute Services, NHS Lothian
Tenure - 3 years (in the first instance)
Are you an experienced clinical leader working within NHS Lothian with the vision, credibility and drive to shape the future of Acute Services? We are seeking an exceptional individual to join the acute triumvirate and wider senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care across our acute portfolio.
About the Role
As Medical Director for Acute Services, you will provide strategic clinical leadership across a wide range of acute sites & specialties. You will help set the clinical direction, strengthen governance and safety standards, and work collaboratively with operational and clinical colleagues to deliver sustainable improvement in quality, performance, and patient experience.
This is a key leadership role within our organisation, offering significant influence at a time of change and opportunity. You will be instrumental in supporting service transformation, developing clinical strategy, and ensuring our services remain safe, responsive, and resilient.
About You
We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic individual to take on a high-impact role at the heart of acute care in NHS Lothian.
We are looking for a respected and inspirational clinical leader who brings:
* Strong leadership capability with the confidence, authority and strategic insight to influence and shape decision‑making at the most senior levels.
* Strong professional integrity, credibility, and a track record of improving care quality and clinical outcomes
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration and lead multidisciplinary teams through complex change with clarity and compassion.
* Commitment to continuous improvement, patient safety, and a culture of openness, learning, and accountability.
* Expert understanding of clinical risk management, patient safety systems, regulatory requirements and the standards that underpin safe, effective acute care.
* Strong capability in conflict resolution exercising sound judgement and calm, assured leadership when addressing sensitive, high‑risk or contentious clinical matters.
* The ability to balance clinical priorities with organisational demands while maintaining a clear focus on patient outcomes.
You will demonstrate our organisational values, champion compassionate leadership, and support a culture where staff feel empowered, valued, and able to deliver their best.
As Medical Director Acute Services you will be a key member of the acute triumvirate, working closely with the Chief Officer Acute and Nurse Director Acute to shape, implement, and embed our clinical and operational vision across the Acute Division and associated Community Services within the Women’s and Children’s Directorate.
Allowance & Time Commitment
This role attracts an allowance of £39,251 per annum and this rate will be uplifted by the pay award from 1st April 2026.
The time commitment required for this role is delivered within Additional Responsibilities component of
the job plan. The precise allocation of programmed activities (PAs) will be agreed with the Chief Officer, Acute Services, but the role typically requires 5 PAs.
To arrange informal discussion with Chief Officer Acute please contact: loth.acutemanagementteam@nhs.scot
To arrange informal discussion with Executive Medical Director please contact: laura.donaldson3@nhs.sco t
* Applicants are required to provide a supporting statement, between 800 and 1,000 words, outlining suitability for the role and demonstrating how your experience and values align with the essential criteria
* Applications should be sent by email to loth.acutemanagementteam@nhs.scot
* Closing date for applications: 12pm Friday 30th January 2026.
* Interviews will be held in Edinburgh at Westport 10 February 2026.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.