Carol Potter, the chief executive of NHS Fife, has revealed her decision to take early retirement, concluding an NHS career that has spanned more than three decades. The announcement comes as a significant employment tribunal case involving nurse Sandie Peggie is expected to reach its conclusion within weeks.
A Leadership Tenure Defined by Crisis and Controversy
Ms Potter's leadership of the health board began in January 2020 as interim chief executive, with her formal appointment following in September of the same year. Her tenure was immediately defined by steering NHS Fife through the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More recently, she has been at the helm during the high-profile employment case brought by nurse Sandie Peggie. The dispute centres on Ms Peggie's objection to sharing a changing room with a transgender doctor, Dr Beth Upton, at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. The nurse was suspended last year after claiming that being made to change alongside the medic amounted to unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010.
The Financial and Legal Stakes of the Tribunal
The health board's handling of the case has drawn considerable attention and criticism. NHS Fife has spent more than £220,000 defending itself against Ms Peggie's legal action. The majority of these costs will be reclaimed through the national clinical negligence and other risks indemnity scheme (CNORIS), with the board's own financial liability capped at £25,000.
The case has also prompted a shift in policy. Initially, NHS guidance allowed transgender staff to use facilities matching their declared gender identity. However, following the UK Supreme Court's landmark ruling in April on the definition of a woman, NHS Fife now states that staff must use facilities corresponding to their sex registered at birth.
A Planned Departure and a Lasting Legacy
In a formal statement, Carol Potter stated she felt the "time is right" to hand over leadership. She expressed confidence in leaving "knowing NHS Fife has dedicated leaders, a clear direction, and a culture of continuous learning".
"It has been a privilege to serve as chief executive of NHS Fife and to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues across health and social care," she said. "I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, particularly in our response to the pandemic, our focus on continuous improvement and learning, and our shared commitment to delivering safe, effective, person-centred care for the people of Fife."
Ms Potter will formally step down next summer, and the process to appoint her successor is now underway. Pat Kilpatrick, chairwoman of the health board, praised Ms Potter for her "outstanding leadership and contribution", noting her "exemplary" dedication and the strong legacy she leaves behind.
