Health and innovation expert is new chair of health board

Mark Cook officially took up the post last Monday and says he is already struck by the warmth of the welcome – and the region’s potential.

He said: “I’ve only been on site a couple of days so far, but what’s immediately stood out is how happy and engaged the staff are. There’s a real energy here and a sense of pride in what people are doing.”

Originally from Aberdeen, Mr Cook has spent much of his career working across health, science, and innovation in Scotland. He is chair of the Scottish Public Pensions Authority, chair of Life Sciences in Scotland, and formerly vice chair of the NHS pension scheme.

He has worked closely with the Scottish Government and the Chief Scientist Office on health-related innovation projects, including initiatives aimed at improving care in rural communities.

Mr Cook takes on the role at a time of significant challenge for health and social care services. Like many health boards across Scotland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway is operating under intense financial pressure while also working to address ongoing challenges around workforce recruitment and retention.

Although he is still getting to know the region, he says the area’s size and integrated model make it ideally placed to transform to meet these challenges.

He said: “This is a small board, but that’s not a weakness – it’s a strength. You have agility here, the ability to innovate quickly and do things that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Mr Cook is particularly interested in prevention and early intervention, citing growing pressures on Scotland’s health services due to chronic conditions such as obesity and heart disease.

He has also highlighted the role of digital and AI technology in overcoming challenges like rurality and access to services.

Mr Cook says his early priority is to listen, learn and support NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Julie White in delivering for the region.

He is also committed to community planning and engagement, collaborating with the wide range of other public sector bodies in the region.

Looking ahead, he said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out, visiting sites across the region, and meeting the people who make this organisation what it is.”