Healthcouncilbranded a ‘toothless hamster’
THE body that advises ministers on cuts to health services has been branded a “toothless hamster” as MSPs vented frustration on consultations over closures.
The Scottish Health Council gives an opinion to the Scottish Government when a health board wants to make changes to services.
It decided last month that the plans to shut the Centre for Integrative Care in Glasgow were minor service changes, not requiring ministerial approval, leading to criticism from patients and campaign groups.
It also decided the closure of Lightburn Hospital was a major change which means Shona Robison, the Health Secretary must have the final say.
Officials from the SHC appeared before the Scottish Parliament Heath Committee, who were less than impressed with the effectiveness of the organisation.
Richard Norris, SHC Director, said it was not a campaign group but an advisory body.
He said: “Our role is not to campaign on behalf of local groups.”
On the CIC, he said: “Our role when it is not a major change is advisory. Around the CIC we did publicly feedback views given to us. Ultimately the decision is with the Health Board.”
It was noted that on only six out of 27 occasions did the SHC decide a change as major.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, an Edinburgh LibDem MSP, said in under 10 months as an MSP, he has made representations on three major service changes, including the CIC. He asked the officials how it only made six in six years.
He asked: “What is the bar that you set as the patient voice?”
Mr Cole-Hamilton thought the government was able to “hide behind the view or lack of view of the health council that it is a major service change or not”.
Committee convenor, Neil Findlay MSP, questioned the independence of the council and what useful role it played in service changes.
He said: “I’m sensing frustration from committee members. You have a £2.3million budget and are looking for extra funds.
“Over the last two years you’ve engaged with 1180 people. Over those years with 14 offices, you’ve consulted with just over 1000 people.
“I’m failing to see what we get for our money. I think you are a toothless hamster. I don’t see where you are adding value.”
Campaigners also said the SHC was useless for patients in the face of health board cuts.
Catherine Hughes who has peti- tioned the Scottish Parliament over the CIC, said: “Campaigners have been raising concerns that the Scottish Health Council have not been protecting or advocating appropriately for them and are basically as useless as a chocolate fireguard.
“They appear to be there just as a smokescreen as all decisions have to go before the Government anyway.”
She said the council was “ineffective” and there was a”far too cosy” relationship with health boards and the Scottish Government.