West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP), which is responsible for delivering all local primary care, community health and social care services, has appointed a new head of health and community care.

Jo Gibson, who most recently worked with North Ayrshire’s HSCP, takes over from the recently retired Chris McNeill.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Jo has worked in health care for 20 years, starting with East Kent Health Authority in 1997, and holding a variety of roles in acute, community and mental health services in Kent, Birmingham and Leeds.

She joined NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 10 years ago and spent seven years with the Health Board as head of performance. Jo moved to North Ayrshire three years ago and will begin her post at West Dunbartonshire HSCP on January 29.

Jo said: “I’m really excited about joining West Dunbartonshire HSCP. My predecessor Chris McNeill has built a great set of services and a great team, which is already achieving some excellent results. I look forward to working with service users and carers, as well as GPs, nursing staff, allied health professionals and the social care teams to see how we can improve even further to support the people of West Dunbartonshire.”

West Dunbartonshire HSCP chief officer, Beth Culshaw, added: “Jo‘s years of experience will be a real asset to the HSCP and I know she is passionate about working hard to improve the health of local people. I look forward to working closely with her in the coming years.”