AN EXPERIENCED leader has stepped into the role of Interim Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP).
Gareth Marr joined the Partnership earlier this year as Interim Deputy Chief Officer and now takes on the interim chief role at a time of significant challenges for local health and social care.
Mr Marr said: “I’m very aware of the responsibility that comes with stepping into this role at such a critical moment.
“Health and social care services are under huge pressure, with rising demand, workforce challenges and major financial pressures.
“My priority is to work closely with colleagues, partners and communities to build on the progress already made, strengthen integration, and focus on prevention so we can support people to live healthier, fuller lives.”
DGHSCP is a statutory public body, with NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Council as its statutory partners.
It is responsible for delivering the strategic directions set by Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) – where Mr Marr will also serve as Interim Chief Officer – and ensuring that health and social care services work together to meet local needs.
Welcoming Mr Marr’s appointment, Dawn Roberts, Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Gareth has shown his commitment to the region and to working with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver the IJB’s priorities. His experience and perspective will help continue to develop the Partnership and support the future financial sustainability of health and social care services”
Julie White, Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, added: “I’m very pleased to welcome Gareth in this role. He brings a wealth of knowledge, both from his time here and internationally, and has a clear focus on prevention and integration — exactly what is needed at this critical time.”
Gareth began his career as a mental health nurse in 2000, gaining frontline experience across forensic, acute, and community care. He then moved into regulatory roles with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Care Inspectorate, honing his skills in oversight and service improvement.
His career took an international turn when he managed mental health services in Sydney, Australia, covering communities around Bondi Beach and Maroubra. More recently, he worked in health transformation and data analytics before serving as a divisional manager for a mental health service in Wales.
Reflecting on this breadth of experience, Mr Marr said: “You see a lot of differences between places, but despite this the challenges are remarkably similar. It’s about taking the best ideas and applying them locally.”
Mr Marr succeeds Nicole Hamlet in the role, and with work underway to appoint a permanent Chief Officer for the Partnership – a position currently being advertised.