News from the FDA

21 August 2002

[For Immediate Use]

Real reason for suspension

Responding to reports in Wednesdays Guardian that Jeff Chandra, GoodhopeHospitals chief executive, had been suspended for unorthodox manipulation ofwaiting lists, senior FDA official Paul Whiteman said:

"Thisallegation is pure speculation. Jeff Chandra has been suspended, but there isno suggestion that this relates to a deliberate act or sanctioning ofmanipulation, either for the personal benefit of Mr Chandra or for theimprovement of performance indicators.

This is aparticularly complicated case. It is a shame that this suspension will leadpeople to draw premature conclusions regarding Mr Chandras character. We willbe looking very closely at the process applied to Mr Chandra to ensure that itis fair and satisfies the rules of natural justice.

ENDS

Notesfor Editors

1. TheFDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UKs 11,000senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, seniormanagers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, governmentlawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers

2. Forfurther information contact:

Paul Whiteman (senior FDA official) on 0207343 1122 or 07967 185356.

Simon Moore (chief press officer) on 0207343 1120 or 07967 484441.