Thanks very much, convener. The committee will now have had the chance to read the latest report from Grant Thornton on financial governance at NHS Tayside, and members will, no doubt, share my concerns at the findings of that review. As I have said before, I take very seriously issues regarding financial management and governance, as well as ensuring that action is taken to address issues that are highlighted through the assurance processes that we have in place.
It is essential that all parties take stock, following each of the reviews of the position at NHS Tayside, and that we all learn lessons and make improvements for the future. I remain committed to immediately addressing the issues that have emerged at NHS Tayside, along with ensuring that the national health service and the wider health and social care services meet the needs of the people of Scotland effectively and at the right time. Therefore, as a starting point, I confirm that the Scottish Government and NHS Tayside have accepted all the recommendations in the Grant Thornton report and that I have received confirmation that an appropriate response to the findings will be provided by the end of June. I will ensure that the committee is kept informed of those responses.
In relation to NHS Tayside, the report underscores the need for fresh, strong leadership, which Malcolm Wright and John Brown are now providing. More widely, there are clearly lessons to be learned by all relevant parties, including the Scottish Government, and I am determined that those lessons will be swiftly embedded into our existing control systems. In addition to the change in leadership at NHS Tayside, which I am happy to discuss in more detail, a range of other work is already under way to strengthen the existing processes to prevent such a situation arising again.
The committee will be aware of the work that is being carried out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in relation to the charitable aspects of the endowment issue in advance of the completion of that work. Paul Gray has agreed with David Robb, the chief executive of OSCR, that consideration will be given to a legislative change to ensure a clearer separation of roles between health boards and their charitable arms. The Scottish Government has also taken a number of actions to improve the controls around allocations to NHS boards.
I was pleased to note Grant Thornton’s recognition of the work that has been done to date to promote an open and transparent culture within the accountable officer and director of finance groups. I give you an assurance that that approach will be maintained, expanded and embedded as we move forward in the pursuit of transformational change in the NHS.
On the transformation of NHS Tayside, I reiterate my confidence in the new leadership, which will make a real difference. I am aware that the committee hold Malcolm Wright in the same high regard as I do, and I take reassurance from his publicly stated view that the problems in NHS Tayside are fixable with strong leadership and good governance. I believe that he and John Brown are the right people to put those things in place.