​Scottish Government intervenes

An under fire NHS boss has been told to quit after raiding a charity foundation’s coffers for IT improvements.

Health secretary Shona Robison made the call after NHS Tayside was put under special measures by the Scottish Government.

It has been claimed the health board used cash from an endowment fund to cover routine expenses including new computer systems in 2014.

Politicians say there was an "apparent misuse" of funds, but the health board insists it was "appropriate".

Robison has instructed the chief executive of NHS Scotland to "strengthen the leadership of NHS Tayside with immediate effect."

She confirmed writing to NHS Tayside chairman prof John Connell asking him to step down.

"This isn't a step I have taken lightly," she said.

"I've asked the chair to consider his position and stand down and I should say this is no reflection on his personal probity or commitment, but it is clear that progress remains insufficient and despite assurances new issues keep emerging.

"We need to restore public confidence and we need new leadership to do that."

Robison also said the position of NHS Tayside chief executive, Lesley McLay was untenable.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Details of NHS Tayside's retrospective use of endowment funding will form part of the externally-led review of the governance of NHS Tayside finances and we expect the board to consider their findings carefully and comply fully with any recommendations.

"NHS Scotland endowment funds operate within legal frameworks regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator and the Scottish government expects trustees to comply with the requirements of the legislation."