We are writing in response to charges of political bias against this health authority because of its decision to appoint local councillors to represent it on boards of the four primary care groups in Salford and Trafford (news and news focus, 10 June).
The HA wrote to all serving councillors outlining the role and inviting them to apply if they were interested in becoming an associate member of the HA.
The assessment process was in accordance with best equal opportunities practice, and conducted by the HA chair and the PCG chair with professional personnel support. Apart from the concerns expressed by Graham Brady MP, referred to in your article, the HA received no other complaints or concerns.
From the outset, the HA chair made it clear that it was the views of the PCG chairs which should prevail. As in most places, the PCG chairs are all experienced GP principals working within the PCG's area.
We have no doubt the councillors bring to their role as HA associate member and PCG board member experience and local knowledge which is proving invaluable in developing PCGs and we believe that view is shared by other members of the PCG boards.
All local residents in Salford and Trafford were invited to apply to become a PCG lay member. These appointments were handled on the HA's behalf, by the local council for voluntary services, supported by the two community health councils.
Salford CHC supported the process in Trafford, and vice versa. The HA chair was involved in the assessment in Trafford, and the HA non-executive member was involved in the assessment in Salford.
One of these lay members, in Trafford North, is a sitting Labour councillor.
It is easy to allege and/or perceive political bias, given that the councillors serving as associate members are all Labour councillors. We hope this explanation of the process of appointment will reassure your readers that the HA has acted entirely properly throughout.
Cllr Margaret Morris
Chair
Salford and Trafford HA
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