Why wasn't Mr Bradley re-appointed?

Through his long years in the Health Service, first as a junior doctor and latterly as a consultant in Bury, Mr Bradley has served at 'the sharp end'.

He understands the needs of patients. He has gained first hand experience as a doctor trying to care for his patients. He knows the frustrations and problems experienced by the doctors: the struggle to find a bed for a patient, the long nights working on call then straight to clinic at 9am.

He knows the problems all the staff working in hospitals face due to the shortage of resources. He has "the absolute support of the board".

Mr Bradley has the knowledge and experience gained from his whole working life to fill the position of chairman. No remote figurehead sitting in a shadowy boardroom, Mr Bradley leads from the front. He knows all the staff at Bury General and Fairfield General Hospitals personally and he is very much in evidence as a visible presence, giving support and encouragement to the staff and setting high standards in patient care.

I am therefore puzzled to learn why Mr Bradley has not been re-appointed as chairman of the Trust and am intrigued to learn how Mr David Ryder, a former Labour councillor, could be better qualified for this position.

I would be obliged therefore if you could answer the following questions:

1) Why Mr Bradley has not been re-appointed?

2) What is the procedure followed for putting forward candidates?

3) What are the skills, qualifications and experience thought necessary in a candidate?

4) To quote: "Mr Dobson would have considered all the names put forward. He and his advisors would have chosen who they considered the strongest candidate."

What are the reasons for considering Mr Ryder a stronger candidate than Mr Bradley?

MRS P. J. AINSWORTH,

Farcroft Avenue,

Radcliffe.

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