Decision was voted for

Sir, – I would like to counter the potentially damaging suggestion that the meeting of the Integration Joint Board (IJB) of the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership on Friday March 23 was conducted in a way that might constitute the ‘democratic outrage’ that has been claimed by Councillor Eric Drysdale (“Care home’s fate branded outrage”, The Courier, March 24).

The people of Perth and Kinross have a right to be assured that the important and difficult decision on the future of Parkdale and Beechgrove care homes was taken, as are all our decisions, in line with the standing orders that apply to the conduct of our business.

Mr Drysdale’s complaint that the decision was taken without a vote is misleading because it implies that the decision was not properly approved. This was not the case.

After a lengthy debate, I sought approval from the members of the board for the recommendations set out in the report of the review of social care, which included the closure of Beechgrove. Of the seven vote-holding members present, four approved the report and three chose to have their dissent recorded. The report was therefore approved.

All board members, including myself as chairperson, are governed by the board’s standing orders and these must be respected by everyone so that we can conduct our business in an open, transparent and fair manner.

To do otherwise is to do a disservice to fellow board members, the staff involved in developing and delivering integrated health and social care and, most importantly, the many individuals and families who rely on the services that are provided by Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership. Linda Dunion. Chairperson, Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board, The Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth.