Eilidh's story

Early career

Eilidh joined the NHS administration bank straight from school aged 17. This flexible role allowed her to work part-time while studying law and politics at university, with the initial intention of becoming a modern studies teacher. However, she instantly connected with the NHS and found value in playing a part in the patient journey, exploring various roles from reception duties to project management over her four-year course.

Career journey

After graduating, Eilidh moved into managerial roles focused on operational management and waiting times. Leadership and organisational culture became central to her work. Encouraged by supportive mentors, she undertook an MSc in Leading Person Centred and Integrated Care, which helped cement her practice with theory and develop both her leadership skills and service delivery expertise.

Current role

Eilidh now serves as Head of Primary Care in Argyll and Bute HSCP, having previously held roles as Clinical Service Manager with a regional and national portfolio and Head of Person Centred Care in NHS Forth Valley. Over her 17-year career, she has worked across a varied portfolio, finding that every day brings different challenges and rewards.

(as at December 2025)

Key reflections

Looking back on her career, Eilidh recognises that career paths aren't always straight. She found it insightful to explore roles with different services and doing different things, which helped her discover that business roles within the NHS are careers in themselves. She didn't really consider what her future career might look like until her mid-20s, and that's perfectly normal.