I was interested to read Maggie Scott's letter (1 April) and her concern of bias in relation to my appointment as commissioner for public appointments.

The comments she attributes to me are completely wrong as I never at any time on leaving South West region said I could not work in the NHS until there was a Labour government. I can be certain of this because it did not figure in any way in my decision to leave. I feel it necessary to make this information available as disinformation in itself can introduce an element of bias into people's thinking.

Although new to this role, I have begun to research new areas, including the reappointment process, the complaints process and the independent assessor's role. The NHS Confederation has also set up a group to examine the reappointment or disappointment experience. I look forward to hearing the results of its work.

Dame Rennie Fritchie

Commissioner for public appointments

London SW1