NHS Lanarkshire (Appointment of Chair)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 14 November 2012.

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Photo of Richard Lyle Richard Lyle Scottish National Party

4. To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to appoint the new chair of NHS Lanarkshire. (S4O-01462)

Photo of Alex Neil Alex Neil Scottish National Party

Interviews for the chair appointment to NHS Lanarkshire are due to take place on 19 November 2012. It is hoped that the successful applicant will take up their appointment some time in early December 2012.

Photo of Richard Lyle Richard Lyle Scottish National Party

First, I thank NHS Lanarkshire for providing my successful eye operation last Sunday. I can now see the clock in the chamber.

Does the cabinet secretary agree that the appointment of a new chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire is urgent? Will he share with members his thoughts on making the appointment before the end of the year, as I understand that the application date has now passed?

Photo of Alex Neil Alex Neil Scottish National Party

I will not say that Mr Lyle and I see eye to eye on this.

The chief executive post is a key post for every NHS board and I understand that NHS Lanarkshire intends to complete the selection process for the post during 6 and 7 December. Clearly, I want the new chairperson to be involved in that appointment before it is confirmed. The board remuneration committee will conduct the interviews with the director general for health and social care acting as the external member. If the selection process identifies a suitable candidate for appointment, it is to be hoped that that person will be in position as soon as possible thereafter.

Photo of Siobhan McMahon Siobhan McMahon Labour

While we await the appointment of a new chair, the cabinet secretary has recently intervened in provision of mental health services by NHS Lanarkshire. Does he intend to intervene on reviews of acute services in all areas prior to those reviews being considered by the relevant health boards and, of course, before crucial appointments are made?

Photo of Alex Neil Alex Neil Scottish National Party

There is an issue about the future of mental health services at Monklands hospital. Because it lies in my constituency, that matter is being dealt with by my ministerial colleague, Michael Matheson.