Women’s health expert is Scotland’s new Chief Medical Officer

Dr Catherine Calderwood has been appointed as the Scottish Government’s new Chief Medical Officer, succeeding Sir Harry Burns who stepped down last April.

As Chief Medical Officer, Calderwood will advise the Government how best to protect and enhance the health of the population.  She said the appointment was “a tremendous honour”.

Calderwood had been Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer under Dr Aileen Keel CBE, who had been in position on an interim basis.

A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in NHS Lothian, with a special interest in maternal medicine, obstetric scanning and high risk pregnancy, Dr Calderwood has also held a number of high profile national roles including National Clinical Director for Maternity and Women’s Health in NHS England. She is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and is an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said the new CMO would help meet the Scottish Government’s “ambitious plans for improving health, reducing inequalities and being at the forefront of delivering the highest quality healthcare through our NHS”.

She added: “Catherine’s appointment will build on her already substantial achievements and reputation in Scotland and the UK. I very much look forward to working with her.”

Dr Calderwood said the role “provides huge opportunities to drive forward and improve the health of our nation.”