NHS Fife chief announces early retirement plans ahead of Sandie Peggie tribunal ruling

NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter has announced plans to retire early.

The news comes ahead of the expected judgment in the Sandie Peggie employment tribunal. Ms Potter's NHS career has spanned more than 30 years.

She took up the post as interim chief executive in January 2020 and was formally appointed to the role that September. Ms Potter steered the health board through the COVID pandemic and has been at the helm during Ms Peggie's high-profile employment case after a dispute between the nurse and transgender doctor.

In a statement, Ms Potter said she felt the "time is right" to hand over the reins and leaves "knowing NHS Fife has dedicated leaders, a clear direction, and a culture of continuous learning". She added: "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.

"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, with arrangements being made to appoint her successor. Pat Kilpatrick, the health board's chairwoman, thanked Ms Potter for her "outstanding leadership and contribution to NHS Fife and to the wider NHS in Scotland".

Ms Kilpatrick added: "Her dedication to improving health services and outcomes for the people of Fife has been exemplary, and she leaves a strong legacy for her successor to build upon. "We wish her every happiness in her retirement." Read more from Sky News:Scottish government yet to pay up after losing For Women Scotland caseNurse cleared of misconduct by NHS Fife Ms Potter faced calls earlier this year to step down over the health board's handling of Ms Peggie's employment tribunal.

The nurse has taken NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton to a tribunal amid claims being made to get changed beside the transgender medic amounts to unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010. Ms Peggie was suspended by the health board last year after she objected to sharing a changing room with Dr Upton at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

At the time, NHS guidance said transgender men and women were allowed to use the changing rooms that aligned with their declared gender identity. Following the UK Supreme Court's landmark ruling in April over the definition of a woman, the health board has since said staff must use facilities that correspond with their sex at birth.

NHS Fife has spent more than £220,000 defending itself against Ms Peggie's action. The costs will be reclaimed through the national clinical negligence and other risks indemnity scheme (CNORIS), with the health board's financial liability limited to £25,000.

A ruling in the case is expected within weeks..