Report from SHCN media contact

Since the last AGM, the Network has been contacted by the media and has responded to its requests for comment on the following health related topics:

The Health Boards Election Bill
The hiring out of Scanners
Anaesthetic cover at the Vale of Leven Hospital
Co-Payments

Delegates from affiliated groups including the Scotland Patients Association and from North Lanarkshire have also contributed on several issues on radio, television and in the Press.

It is probably fair to say that there has been more focus in the media on economic issues rather than on health, despite the issuing of Press releases from the media contact within the Network.

We continue to appreciate the accurate reporting from health correspondents in the broadsheets, and would again particularly single out for mention, Helen Puttick of the Herald, in this respect.

Malcolm Allan
9 February 2009

Bill Butler MSP introduced his "Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill" in Holyrood on 31 March 2006.

The health committee has sought evidence from various parties in response to the proposals contained in the Bill.

In responding to that invitation, the Scottish Health Campaigns Network has taken notice of the concern of many communities throughout Scotland which have reacted to the perceived lack of meaningful consultation by various health boards on issues affecting services vital to the welfare of patients and relatives.

The decision to close the Accident and Emergency department at Monklands hospital, and the uncertainty over the future of Crosshouse hospital are only two of the most recent examples of boards to properly engage with those whom they serve.

The Scottish Health Campaigns Network considers the current composition of health boards to be undemocratic and supports the proposals contained in the above Bill.

The response submitted to the health committee by the SHCN follows.

Note that the reference to those ineligible to stand for election to boards includes, among others, MPs, MSPs and local councillors. Contact is Dr Robert Cumming, chairman Scottish Health Campaigns Network Tel 0141 956 2004 (mobile 07745 239630) alternative number is 01350 72 8931

Released by Malcolm Allan Media contact SHCN Tel: 0141 772 4292

Response submitted by SHCN ............

The Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill

The Scottish Health Campaigns Network would wish to make the following comments on the above Bill.

1: General Observations

It supports the Bill in principle
b) There is widespread concern about the present operation of Health Boards. The National Health Service has always been a �political football� and as such has inevitably reflected the views of the party in power.

c) Irrespective of which party is in power there is a perception that decisions have been made which are not in the public interest and which are seen to be undemocratic. The non - executive Health Board members are perceived as individuals who are supportive of current government policy.

d) Increased democracy would be achieved by the proposals in Bill Butler’s Bill with the election of the majority of the non - executive Board members being from the public. The logical conclusion of the establishment of “Involving People� committees by Boards and their associated public meetings would be for Health Boards themselves to support the election of Health Boardmembers as recognition that they fully support public involvement in their decision making process.

The practice of issuing voluminous papers for Board meetings with inadequate time for members to study these and the tabling of some the most important items at these meetings is neither acceptable nor democratic.

Important decisions are taken without the facility for proper and meaningful discussion. It is unlikely that elected Board members would tolerate such practice.

2: Specific Observations

a) Several members of the Network have commented on the lack of information on remuneration of elected members. This must be clarified and it is a view of the network that it should be identical to that of the current non-executive Board members.

b) Exclusion of Candidature in Part1 Section 3.1b This should be extended to include those who have served in any of these capacities within the last three or four years. This sanction would also extend to 3.1c. This would prevent former appointed members moving sideways to stand as elected members and would also prevent local councillors who retired at the local elections standing as Health Board candidates. One of the objects of the Bill is seen as an attempt to depoliticise the composition of Health Boards and this wholeheartedly supported by the Network.

c) The timetable in relation to postal voting requires clarification.

These observations and comments are submitted on behalf of The Scottish Health Campaigns Network by,

Dr Robert L. C. Cumming (Chairman)
1 Sandfield Avenue
Milngavie
Glasgow
G62 8NR

E-mail: robert.cumming5@btinternet.com

23/08/06