NHS Tayside row is very troubling

Another week, another crisis at NHS Tayside.

This time it’s over the use of charitable funds to pay for an IT system.

The allegations are both serious and troubling.

Raiding a fund that is used to provide amenities for patients to pay for a computer system is concerning.

Legacy contributions, fun-runner fundraising and funeral collections all contribute towards the Endowment Fund and many will baulk at the thought this paying for something which should have been met from central coffers.

In response, the health board has insisted that the use of these funds was entirely appropriate.

That might be the case, but in the court of public opinion this looks decidedly dodgy.

However, should we really be surprised? NHS Tayside has been operating on fumes for some time and the Scottish Government has clearly failed to deliver an adequate funding settlement.

Year after year NHS Tayside officials have gone cap in hand to the Scottish Government for last minute loans, such has been their perilous financial state.

What did surprise was the response from the health secretary whose own parliamentary constituency falls within NHS Tayside boundaries.

Last Friday, Shona Robison publicly called for the resignation of chairman Professor John Connell whilst also labelling Lesley McLay’s position as chief executive untenable.

Publically, she has thrown her two most senior officials to the wolves and doing so required special powers from a 1978 Health Act. Quite the diversion tactic.

Clearly there are problems at NHS Tayside, but changing leadership again- Prof Connell has only been in post for 2.5 years- is perhaps not the best answer.

Switching captain when the ship is taking in water will do little to change matters and let’s not forget her government has been in charge of the NHS for 11 years.

Clearly, serious structural reform is needed and this takes time.

These revelations could also be the tip of the iceberg. In addition to financial issues, there are clear problems with the operation of Integrated Joint Boards (IJBs).

These boards were designed to link local authorities and health boards.

However, in practice, there have been issues over accountability, transparency and blurred lines of responsibility.

Misfiring IJBs are not unique to Tayside and if this crisis results in anything, it should be a full independent review of IJB structures.

The Scottish Government has been in charge of our health service for 11 long years.

The problems at NHS Tayside go deeper than an Endowment Fund Budget report.

There are systemic issues at play in Tayside and the NHS is experiencing a perfect storm of challenges.

Calling for heads to roll in order to save your own skin is low and belies the position of health secretary and as a result many will now question whether Shona Robison is in the right job.

As ever I appreciate the feedback of readers and can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL or via telephone at 01738 553990 or via email at Elizabeth.Smith.msp@ parliament.scot