Robison ‘no pleasure’ in resignation of Connell

Scotland’s health secretary said she was “genuinely sorry” about the way the departure of an NHS Tayside chief unfolded, it has emerged.

Shona Robison — who also represents Dundee City East — emailed Professor John Connell, who was chairman of the NHS Tayside board, on April 5, saying she had intervened in the running of NHS Tayside “due to the persistent difficulty in achieving a return to sustainable financial balance”.

She said “a constant drip feed of emerging issues” had led her to conclude that “refreshed leadership is required to take NHS Tayside forward”, and offered Prof Connell “the opportunity to consider your position before we discuss the matter”.

In response the following day, he told Ms Robison he had become aware of public calls for his resignation before having had the chance to discuss it with her directly.

He confirmed he would be stepping down, but insisted patient care had not been compromised during his tenure.

He also said he had begun the process for an external review into the board’s finances to be carried out, pointing out that the issues referred to “arose in the years prior to my appointment as chair”.

Accepting Prof Connell’s resignation, the SNP minister said: “I apologise for the nature of your departure.

“It is definitely not the manner in which I would have wanted it to take place.”

She continued: “I am genuinely sorry about the way in which this unfolded — in normal circumstances I would have expected you to be able to continue to fulfil your role with your customary diligence and dedication, and it gives me no pleasure to accept your resignation.”

Professor John Connell.