Date: Wednesday 7 May 2008

UNISON urges wider investigation into Western Isles Health Board

UNISON, the health service union, today urged Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to order a wider investigation into Western Isles Health Board, following Tuesday's Scottish Parliament Audit Committee report.

Mairi Murray, Western Isles health branch Vice-Chairperson, said: "The report's acknowledgement that there was a delay in the Scottish Health Department's intervention vindicates UNISON's and the other staff trade union's position over the vote of no confidence in the former Chief Executive, Board Chairperson and Medical Director."

UNISON and partner staff unions have consistently called for a wider investigation into the management of the Board under the former Chief Executive's 'regime'. The union therefore welcomes the Audit Committee's view that a wider investigation should take place and will be writing to Nicola Sturgeon to call for one to be set up.

UNISON believes that a wider investigation will call to account the former management regime and at long last draw a line under a very unhappy time for the staff of the Board and indeed, the wider community of the western Isles.

Mairi Murray said: "Some of our members feel that they remain under the cloud of the flawed 'Cook' report and a wider investigation would be welcomed in seeking to clear their names."

Ends

For further information please contact: Mairi Murray, Vice Chair, Western Isles Health Branch, 01851 708296 (w) Ken Matthews, Regional Organiser, UNISON, 01463 715891 (w), 07904 342061 (m), email k.matthews@unison.co.uk

Notes to editors UNISON represents members employed within the Board as nurses, professionals allied to health, administration and support roles, maintenance and technical staff.

UNISON was a signatory to the vote of no confidence in the former Chief Executive, Board Chairperson and Medical Director.

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