Gareth takes on chief role

AN EXPERIENCED leader has stepped into the role of interim chief officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP). Gareth Marr, pictured, joined earlier this year as interim deputy chief officer and now takes on the chief role at a time of significant challenges. He 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.” 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. His career took an international turn when he managed mental health services in Sydney, Australia. More recently, he worked in health transformation and data analytics before serving as a divisional manager for a mental health service in Wales. On his 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.”