Government must listen to concerns about elected health boards

1.52.22pm GMT Thu 13th Nov 2008

Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has urged the Scottish Government to support Liberal Democrat proposals to make health boards more accountable through greater input from elected Councillors.

The Health Committee will today hear concerns from health board representatives that the SNP's current proposals are costly and ineffective.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“Liberal Democrats do not believe that directly elected health boards are the best way of giving local communities a say on their health services.

“I share the concerns of NHS Tayside that there is a high possibility of conflict between directly elected members of health boards and Councillors.

“I urge the Scottish Government to listen to the concerns put forward by health boards today on their current proposals. The Health Secretary must now look at different models to improve the accountability of health boards, including a model with greater input from elected Councillors.”