Tayside chiefs set for grilling in Fair City

Tayside health chiefs face quizzing from politicians in Perth today.

The Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee will visit the Fair City as part of its ongoing scrutiny of health boards across Scotland.

The NHS Tayside board is expected to face tough questions on finances, leadership and a controversial shake-up of mental health services.

Typically, NHS boards are brought to the Scottish Parliament for these sessions, but on this occasion the committee has opted to travel to the board region.

Committee convener Lewis Macdonald MSP said: “We are aware of the difficulties that NHS Tayside have experienced and want to understand the changes, innovations and improvements being put in place by the new board and senior managers.

“We also want to find out whether they are doing enough to provide mental health services for those who need them.”

Mr Macdonald said yesterday evening would be spent meeting local health professionals and service users to hear about their experiences with the local NHS.

“This will also help inform our questioning of the board,” he said.

Among the issues likely to be discussed will be Dr David Strang’s highly critical report on psychiatric services in Tayside.

In September, members of the Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board voted to push ahead with a review that will mean services are centralised at Dundee, despite Dr Strang’s plea for a “fundamental redesign”.

He spoke of his frustration that his call for a wider, more comprehensive review had not been heeded.

Dr Strang, who is finalising his exhaustive study of local mental health work, told the board: “It’s been four months now and I haven’t seen a redesign transformation programme.

“I thought that publishing a summary (in May) would allow the joint board and NHS Tayside to start addressing the issue.”

Chief officer Gordon Paterson has said a “comprehensive end-to-end strategy” was being actively pursued.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to intervene.

Lewis Macdonald MSP.