Scepticism over new management’s power

An NHS Tayside board member has said he doubts its new management team will make any impact unless given more resources .

Perth and Kinross Conservative councillor Crawford Reid, a retired consultant anaesthetist, also said he believed former NHS Tayside chairman Professor John Connell had paid the price for “being too loyal” to the board.

Health Secretary Shona Robison demanded Prof Connell’s resignation last week after it emerged money from the charitable endowment fund had been used to pay for an IT system.

It followed revelations that money for eHealth projects had been spent elsewhere and that there had been years of overspending.

Chief executive Lesley McLay is still employed by the NHS, but an acting chief executive has been appointed to carry out her duties at Tayside.

Although both incidents occurred before Prof Connell’s appointment, Mr Reid said he believed his “biggest mistake had been trying to defend” the use of the endowment money.

He said: “Other members should, however, consider their positions. I do believe that over many years decisions have been made by successive Tayside health boards, possibly due to political pressure, which have been detrimental to the provision of safe and effective health care.”

He added: “Unfortunately many of the problems that Tayside has are being mirrored in most other health boards. This is a national issue.

“I would be surprised if the incoming duo can make any impact unless they come with extra resources.”