MSP bids for NHS board elections

Mr Butler wants to give the public more say on local health services

An MSP is proposing to give people a greater say about health services in their area.

Bill Butler has published a member's bill that aims to bring in direct elections to local NHS boards.

If passed, it would mean that more than half of NHS board members would be voted into office.

But the Scottish Executive said it would not be backing the bill as it felt the existing health board arrangements were adequate.

Mr Butler, Labour MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, argued that his Direct Elections to NHS Boards (Scotland) Bill would make the boards more accountable.

There is a real concern that no direct mechanism exists to hold health boards to account Bill Butler Labour MSP

"I believe that the way in which health boards currently make decisions is outdated and doesn't give due attention to the views of the communities they represent," he said.

He said health board decisions were often seen as being "completely at odds" with the views of the local community.

"Communities frequently feel that the decisions taken by health boards have been reached in secret with little or no explanation," he said.

"When health boards consult with the public, people are often left with the perception that the decision has been predetermined."

He added: "There is a real concern that no direct mechanism exists to hold health boards to account."

Union backing

Mr Butler's proposal has already won the backing of the trade union Unison and he hopes it will be supported by fellow MSPs.

All health board members are currently appointed by Scottish ministers.

If the bill is passed, it would see more than 50% of each NHS board's members being elected by a postal ballot.

Devolution has meant government policy-making and NHS boards are subject to far more public scrutiny Scottish Executive

Candidates standing for election would be allowed to put forward a statement of their views and intentions to voters.

If successful, they would serve a four-year term, but there would be no limit to the number of times they could serve on a board.

Dave Watson, Scottish organiser for Unison, said the union backed the bill "as a positive attempt to create a more democratically accountable NHS in Scotland".

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "Since 2001 all NHS boards have included a councillor from each local authority in their area among their members.

"Devolution has meant government policy-making and NHS boards are subject to far more public scrutiny."

He added that in 2005 the health minister chaired annual reviews for each of the 15 health boards holding them to public account over their performance for the first time.