Lindsay honoured for dedication to medicine

DR LINDSAY Burley has been included in the New Year Honours List for her services to healthcare in Scotland.

Dr Burley, 60, of Inveresk, East Lothian, was awarded a CBE for her services to NHS Scotland over her 40-year career, which has seen her go from working as a physician to the top levels of health service senior management.

During her time within the health industry, Dr Burley has seen many changes in her positions as both doctor and as part of management.

Dr Burley, originally from Blackpool, began studying medicine at Edinburgh University in 1968 and has lived in East Lothian for 22 years.

She previously held the position as chief executive of Borders Health Board from 1995 until 2003. She also ran the geriatric medicine department at East Fortune Hospital, which was closed in 1997.

In April last year, she was made chair of NHS Education for Scotland after being part of the board for eight years.

Dr Burley's husband, Robin, 62, received an MBE in 2000 for his services to the housing association movement and disabled people during his career.

The couple are now managing partners in Eskhill & Co, specialists in coaching and conflict resolution.

On being recognised for her services, she said: "Firstly I was very surprised and delighted. It came as a bit of a shock, but it was a pleasure."

She graduated from Edinburgh University in 1973 and has dedicated her life to medicine. For the last 38 years she has specialised in healthcare for the elderly. After 30 years as a doctor, she was appointed the first chair of the National Waiting Times Centre Board.

Dr Burley, who is also a qualified business coach and mediator, set up Eskhill & Co in 1998 with the aim of targeting housing, health and community care.

Through Eskhill & Co, Dr Burley and her husband are available as mediators, board directors, charity trustees, consultants and interim managers due to their well-respected careers in other fields.

She is also currently a part of the Scottish Funding Council, responsible for the investment and development of the higher education system, and chair of the Scottish Association for Mental Health, which congratulated her through its website, saying: "The Scottish Association for Mental Health is delighted to congratulate our chair, Dr Lindsay Burley, on her inclusion in the New Year Honours List."

A keen gardener and pianist, it seems unlikely that Dr Burley's career will end any time soon.

When asked if her recognition would help raise her personal profile and that of Eskhill & Co, she said: "Not particularly. I am still involved in the NHS for Scotland. It does raise my own profile but it is just flattering to be recognised."