Committee calls for health report to be made public

THE chairman of Lincolnshire's Health Scrutiny Committee is to request a new report by the Strategic Health Authority (NHS East Midlands) into the governance arrangements at United Lincolnshire Hospital's Trust.

The report looks at how well targets are being met, particularly around waiting times between patient referrals and treatment. The committee is concerned that this report is not intended to be made public and will be requesting a copy of it for consideration.

Coun Christine Talbot, chairman of the health scrutiny committee, said: "The Committee is aware of the high level of public interest in how our hospitals are run and how this translates into the service they receive.

"I think it's important that the committee has the chance to look at the recent reports into governance arrangements to make sure management puts patient care as a top priority."

The health scrutiny committee has also responded to the recent report carried out by the Department of Health into allegations made about bullying and harassment of ULHT by the Strategic Health Authority.

Mrs Talbot added: "Any allegations of bullying and harassment should be taken seriously. However, the Committee's main concern about management of any health service is the impact this may have on patient care."

•Do you think the report on the Strategic Health Authority (NHS East Midlands) should be made public? Email you views to [email protected]