MP Slams Health Authority Cheif For Deplorable Comments

Warrington North MP HELEN JONES has criticised comments made by Neil Goodwin,  interim Chief Executive of the North West Regional Health Authority, in the Health Service Journal. 

The Health service Journal reported Mr Goodwin as warning that the NHS had to prevent reconfigurations being overturned by politicians. He went on to be quoted as saying:

“ I understand the government’s difficulty when backbench MPs traipse in to see ministers and demand a review." 

He went on to say that he was: “old and experienced enough to see the capriciousness of politicians."

The Warrington North MP has tabled a Commons motion ‘deploring’ the comments made by Mr Goodwin. 

She said: “ Mr Goodwin clearly fails to understand the democratic process.  If unelected bureaucrats like Mr Goodwin think they can ride rough shod over the interests of ordinary people and not be challenged they are in for a rude awakening.  I will most certainly continue to stand up for my constituents and for the future of Warrington hospital.

This atmosphere that managers know best is spreading in the Health Service and needs to be addressed.  I am dismayed that a person holding such views has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of the North West Regional Health Authority.

I understand that Mr Goodwin has issued a statement apologising if his comments have been misunderstood.  I don’t think there is much to misunderstand and I call on him to issue an apology for what he has said when he returns from his holiday in the Gambia."