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Chairman quits crisis-hit NHS Tayside | Chairman quits crisis-hit NHS Tayside |
(35 minutes later) | |
The chairman of NHS Tayside has stood down after the health board was put in "special measures" by the government. | |
Health Secretary Shona Robison welcomed the resignation of Prof John Connell, describing it as the "right decision". | Health Secretary Shona Robison welcomed the resignation of Prof John Connell, describing it as the "right decision". |
She had earlier taken the unusual step of calling on him to step down in order to "restore public confidence". | |
The health board has been struggling to keep within spending limits for a number of years and new allegations of financial concerns emerged this week. | |
'Laid bare' | |
It was claimed the health board used cash from an charitable endowment fund to "retrospectively" cover expenses including new computer systems in 2014. | |
Politicians said there was an "apparent misuse" of funds but the health board insisted it was "appropriate". | |
Last month, NHS Tayside's financial director retired as it was revealed the health board's funding gap was widening. | |
The board received a £33m "brokerage" loan from the Scottish government last year and was due to receive a further £4m before 1 April. | |
The Scottish government was told NHS Tayside's finances were likely to deteriorate further. | |
The health secretary said: "Issues over past few weeks have laid bare the extent of the problems facing NHS Tayside and the minutes of a meeting of trustees in 2014 outline, in detail, the approval of the use of endowment funds by the chief executive. | |
"It has become clear to me that the current structure of the board cannot deliver the improvements required to return to a sustainable position, while continuing to deliver safe and effective services to patients." | |
Ms Robison also described the position of NHS Tayside chief executive, Lesley McLay, as "untenable". | |
Prof Connell has previously said that the board at NHS Tayside inherited a difficult situation and that he had only taken up his role two and a half years ago. | |
In a statement about his resignation, Prof Connell said it had been "an absolute privilege" to lead NHS Tayside. | |
He said: "I have always maintained a focus on safe patient care and ensuring staff are supported to deliver that at all times. | |
"I am very pleased that this has not been compromised during a difficult financial period." | |
Prof Connell said NHS Tayside was "on the correct course to transform its services". |