Carolynne O’Connor appointed Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee
NHS Golden Jubilee is pleased to announce that Carolynne O’Connor has been appointed as Chief Executive on a temporary basis, effective from Friday 1 August 2025.
Her appointment follows the announcement that Professor Gordon James has been asked to take up the post of Chief Executive at NHS Ayrshire & Arran on a temporary basis. The Board extends its full support to both Carolynne and Gordon as they take on their new responsibilities.
Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee, Susan Douglas-Scott, said: “On behalf of the Board I want to thank Gordon for the leadership he has shown since joining NHS Golden Jubilee in December 2022. This new role is a recognition of his strengths and experience, and while we will miss his presence, we’re delighted that his talents will benefit the wider NHS in Scotland.
“Carolynne brings an exceptional blend of clinical knowledge, operational expertise and a genuine passion for people. She has already made a significant impact since joining us, and we are confident that her leadership will guide NHS Golden Jubilee through this period with strength, clarity and vision.”
Carolynne, who joined NHS Golden Jubilee in October 2023 as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, brings 40 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role.
A clinically trained nurse and experienced executive, Carolynne has built her career across a range of leadership roles throughout the UK, with a particular focus on operational delivery, elective care, strategic transformation, and inclusive leadership. Prior to joining NHS Golden Jubilee, she served as Director of Operations at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Trust and began her NHS journey as a student nurse at Worcester Royal Infirmary in 1985.
On her appointment, Carolynne O’Connor, added: “I’m honoured to take on this role at such an important time for NHS Golden Jubilee. This organisation is recognised nationally for its outstanding work and innovation in specialist and elective care. It’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated team as we continue to develop our services and strengthen our contribution to NHS Scotland.
“Since joining the organisation, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the commitment of our staff and the ambition of our projects—from the surgical centre expansion to the development of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery and NHS Scotland Academy. I’m especially passionate about staff wellbeing and development of our people. People are what make a great organisation, and I am very proud to be joining one that ensures that person centred care is at the heart of every discussion and decision.”
Professor Gordon James, who joined NHS Golden Jubilee in December 2022, will also take up his position at NHS Ayrshire & Arran from 1 August.
