Radical action is not a moment too soon

Those involved can dress it up any way they like, but there can be no doubt – NHS Tayside is lurching from one crisis to another. The leadership – or possibly lack of it – has been called into question far too often, and yet evidence of lessons having been learnt are conspicuous only by their complete absence.

Last night, at last, there was tangible evidence that the status quo is to end.

To say eyes have been taken off the ball would be a huge understatement.

The finance director has left but it is abundantly clear that the rot goes deeper – far deeper.

Chief executive Lesley Mclay is quite rightly under enormous pressure and has far from covered herself in glory.

Health Minister Shona Robison has also been under considerable strain and last night at last took measures in a bid to bring the situation under control.

It is not before time.

Despite the issues blowing up in her own backyard, she had stood accused of singularly failing to take responsibility in any meaningful way.

Earlier this week news broke that charity cash – money left by bereaved families to the health board – had been plundered to shore up ailing finances.

The story shocked many and it appears it may have been the final straw for a clearly furious health minister.

After all, it is not as if this is the first scandal to envelop NHS Tayside, rather the latest in a long list of high profile financial failings.

The public deserve far better and will surely agree with the charges of “galling negligence” being levelled at health chiefs.

It was inconceivable to think the latest scandal would be allowed to pass without more heads rolling. However, this is far from the end of the story.

Ms Robison and all involved with the management of NHS Tayside have much to do if confidence is to be restored.