Scots NHS slates plans for board elections

13 Nov 08
Leading NHS officials have attacked Scottish Government plans for direct elections to health boards, warning that the service could be destabilised by the introduction of party politics

14 November 2008

By David Scott

Leading NHS officials have attacked Scottish Government plans for direct elections to health boards, warning that the service could be destabilised by the introduction of party politics.

Three boards in Scotland voiced their concern when they gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament health committee on November 12.

They pointed out that boards already included local councillors and were accountable to ministers and Holyrood.

The chair of NHS Tayside, Sandy Watson, said his board believed that 'national and local democracy do not necessarily sit comfortably together where there is considerable central policy guidance and direction from ministers'.

He claimed the election of members would imply that they had the lead policy role. 'This could affect the operation of boards and draw officials into political controversy, including party politics,' he added.

Pat Dawson, associate nurse director of NHS Lothian, said: 'Further wholesale change to the current system has the potential to destabilise boards.'

PFnov2008

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top