Two new members have been appointed onto the board of crisis-hit NHS Grampian by health secretary Alex Neil.
Former Aberdeen City Council official Rhona Atkinson and stoke survivor Eric Sinclair from Aboyne will help oversee the governance of the troubled organisation which is dealing with staffing issues to try and meet the needs of 500,000 people.
The pair will take over the four-year part-time role, which attracts a remuneration of £8,088 for a time commitment of eight hours per week, from Mike Scott and Charles Muir.
Ms Atkinson, who comes from a finance background and has extensive managerial experience, retired in 2011 after a 30 year career in the private and public sectors.
Mr Sinclair is a writer and education consultant who was the head teacher of Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney for 10 years and subsequently the head of Aboyne Academy.
Since suffering a major stroke in 2004, he has undertaken voluntary work for the Stroke Association, and is vice-chairman of its Scotland committee.
North-east Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes said: “The board faces significant challenges – a funding shortfall, resolving internal tensions and ending the recruitment and retention problems.
“I am sure that the new members will assist by augmenting the experience the board can draw on to move forward.”
North-east Labour MSP Richard Baker said: “These new members of the board take up their position at a time of huge challenges for NHS Grampian.
“The key issue is that they and the new chairman, once appointed, are given the support and the resources they need to ensure the recruitment crisis is addressed and waiting times targets met.”
Aberdeen Donside SNP MSP Mark McDonald welcomed the announcement and said the pair had a wealth of experience between them.
“Nobody denies that there are challenges that need to be addressed in NHS Grampian,” he added.
“But these appointments, following the appointment of Malcolm Wright as interim chief executive, show a determination to strengthen and improve the health service locally.”
North-east Conservative MSP Nanette Milne said: “Ms Atkinson seems well qualified and Eric Sinclair is highly regarded in his local community and will bring a very significant patient perspective to his new role.”