Dr Janet McKay was born and raised in Ayrshire, attending Garnock Academy. She still lives in Kilbirnie and has more than 30 years experience in the NHS. She has an Honours degree in History from Edinburgh University, a MSc from the Open University and a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Stirling. She has worked in cardiac care in Ayrshire since 1988, both as a staff nurse, a Cardiac Specialist nurse and latterly as a Consultant Nurse in Cardiac Care across NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Since 2010, Janet has also been elected by healthcare professionals as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board. She currently serves as a member of the Joint Integration Board for Health and Social care in North Ayrshire. She also chairs and is a member of a wide range of local, regional and national groups.

Janet has a range of experience in a number of voluntary organisations, having previously been a Director of an Out of School Care, Chair of a Parent council, and a helper in a number of youth organisations. She has a keen interest in Education and its impact on Health Inequalities. She also has a special interest in autism and children with additional support needs.

Janet brings to the Board considerable experience in service development, leadership, governance, and strong and effective partnership working with the public, private and third/voluntary sectors.