A health service manager once criticised by a powerful committee of MPs has come under fire for her promotion to a senior NHS Executive post.
Dr Kate Barnard was one of three North and Mid Hampshire health authority executives criticised by the public administration committee in March 1997 for a decision to bring forward the closure of Park Prewett Hospital in Basingstoke by almost two years.
Advice from North Hampshire, Loddon Community trust's consultant psychiatrist that five of the patients were not fit for discharge was overruled in her absence by an outside consultant. Three of the 24 patients moved died within a fortnight.
In its report, the committee questioned Dr Barnard's 'suitability for a position of responsibility'. She was chief executive of the HA at the time.
HA chair Angela Sealey and director of primary and community care Simon Williams both resigned. Dr Barnard was seconded to become personnel and organisational development adviser for the former South Thames region last August.
This week former committee chair Rhodri Morgan described Dr Barnard's appointment as 'especially surprising' given the 'lengthy attempts' to hold to account those involved in the incident.
But Winchester and Central Hampshire community health council joint chief officer Christine Allen defended Dr Barnard, saying she was 'a very able manager, a person of integrity and a talented women'.
The Department of Health said the appointment to the post earlier this year had been 'advertised and made according to the normal procedures'. Dr Barnard was not available for comment.
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