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MSPs' doubts over NHS elections MSPs' doubts over NHS elections
(about 5 hours later)
Plans to introduce direct elections to health boards in Scotland have suffered a setback after concerns were raised by a Holyrood committee.Plans to introduce direct elections to health boards in Scotland have suffered a setback after concerns were raised by a Holyrood committee.
The scheme was an SNP manifesto pledge to build public confidence in the NHS.The scheme was an SNP manifesto pledge to build public confidence in the NHS.
But members of the Health Committee were not convinced it was the most effective way to involve the public.But members of the Health Committee were not convinced it was the most effective way to involve the public.
The committee said pilots of the plan should go ahead in two areas, but alternative public participation schemes also should be tested.The committee said pilots of the plan should go ahead in two areas, but alternative public participation schemes also should be tested.
A report by the committee of MSPs said that while there was a need to improve public accountability, no "overwhelming" case for direct elections had been made, nor was there "widespread enthusiasm."A report by the committee of MSPs said that while there was a need to improve public accountability, no "overwhelming" case for direct elections had been made, nor was there "widespread enthusiasm."
The idea of direct elections has the backing of unions but has found little support from health boards themselves.The idea of direct elections has the backing of unions but has found little support from health boards themselves.
I am pleased that this report makes it clear that parliament should not be asked to agree to the principle of direct elections to health boards before pilots Ross FinnieScottish Lib Dems Earlier this month BBC Scotland revealed five of Scotland's 14 health authorities have opposed the plans outright, and a further five had expressed doubts.I am pleased that this report makes it clear that parliament should not be asked to agree to the principle of direct elections to health boards before pilots Ross FinnieScottish Lib Dems Earlier this month BBC Scotland revealed five of Scotland's 14 health authorities have opposed the plans outright, and a further five had expressed doubts.
They include concerns about the "politicisation" of boards and being flooded with single-issue candidates with no interest in overall policy.They include concerns about the "politicisation" of boards and being flooded with single-issue candidates with no interest in overall policy.
Critics also pointed out that councillors were already on health boards, which were accountable to ministers and parliament.Critics also pointed out that councillors were already on health boards, which were accountable to ministers and parliament.
Under the Scottish Government proposals, health boards will have three types of member - a chair and other members appointed by ministers, local councillors appointed by ministers, and members directly elected by postal ballot for a four-year term.Under the Scottish Government proposals, health boards will have three types of member - a chair and other members appointed by ministers, local councillors appointed by ministers, and members directly elected by postal ballot for a four-year term.
The councillors and directly elected members will together form a majority, and the pilots will run for up to seven years before potentially being extended nationwide.The councillors and directly elected members will together form a majority, and the pilots will run for up to seven years before potentially being extended nationwide.
But the committee voiced concerns over security aspects of the postal ballot, and plans to allow 16-year-olds to vote.But the committee voiced concerns over security aspects of the postal ballot, and plans to allow 16-year-olds to vote.
'Fair assessment''Fair assessment'
It also called for a tougher parliamentary approval process if the pilots are to be rolled out.It also called for a tougher parliamentary approval process if the pilots are to be rolled out.
Health committee convenor Christine Grahame said: "While we agree direct elections to health boards have the potential to improve public participation and involvement, we have not seen and head enough evidence or enthusiasm to convince us that direct elections are necessarily the most effective way to achieve this goal.Health committee convenor Christine Grahame said: "While we agree direct elections to health boards have the potential to improve public participation and involvement, we have not seen and head enough evidence or enthusiasm to convince us that direct elections are necessarily the most effective way to achieve this goal.
"The results of the pilots for direct elections should be compared with the outcome of these additional pilots and developments in boards where no initiative takes place and the results published."The results of the pilots for direct elections should be compared with the outcome of these additional pilots and developments in boards where no initiative takes place and the results published.
"That way we can make a fair assessment.""That way we can make a fair assessment."
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the government was committed to working with the committee to address the suggestions it had raised.
She added: "I believe wholeheartedly that this will empower communities and individuals whose taxes, after all, pay for our health service.
"I have been very encouraged by the support for this principle of Unite and Unison, two of Scotland's biggest trade unions, representing nearly 400,000 people between them.
"While there are clearly differences of opinion among health boards at present, I am confident we can work together to ensure that elected health boards are a great success which bring greater accountability and transparency to a health service in which we all have a stake."
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "I am pleased that this report makes it clear that parliament should not be asked to agree to the principle of direct elections to health boards before pilots have been tested and evaluated.Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "I am pleased that this report makes it clear that parliament should not be asked to agree to the principle of direct elections to health boards before pilots have been tested and evaluated.
"Liberal Democrats believe that direct elections are not the best way of improving health board accountability."Liberal Democrats believe that direct elections are not the best way of improving health board accountability.
"That is why we have called for alternatives like getting local councils more involved in running local health services.""That is why we have called for alternatives like getting local councils more involved in running local health services."