‘Poor’ historic financial practices highlighted

An independent review into NHS Tayside finances found “poor” practices over the years.

The review was carried out by Grant Thornton and published by the Public Audit and Post Legislative Scrutiny committee yesterday. It was carried out after the Tayside board agreed to use £3.6 million from its endowment fund, which is made up of donations from the public or bequests in wills, to help it break even in 2013/14.

Grant Thornton said: “Based on our review it would appear that the NHS Tayside Board historically did not have full visibility of the NHS Tayside financial position.

“Our review identifies a number of weaknesses in NHS Tayside’s financial management arrangements alongside a lack of open and transparent governance which may have evolved based on NHS Tayside’s organisational culture and historic working practices.”

Cabinet Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “This report highlights the historic poor financial governance and management practice within NHS Tayside.

“There are lessons to learn and I look forward to discussing ways to improve both the internal and external scrutiny with NHS Tayside and Audit Scotland,” the health secretary said.