Following an astonishing politically-motivated attack on the head of NHS Highland after he spoke of the need to address the area's health and social problems, Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson has rallied to the aid of the embattled official.
Earlier this week Garry Coutts, chairman of NHS Highland, wrote to all the area's MSPs urging them to vote in favour of the Scottish Government's proposed strategy of setting a minimum price to tackle problems caused by the widespread availability of cheap alcohol.
Although Mr Coutts cited numerous reasons that he and his board supported the policy, he was immediately attacked by Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon for what she claimed was an attempt to lobby politicians on political matter. Mrs Scanlon asked Mr Coutts to apologise for sending a letter to MSPs.
Mr Thompson was appalled that Mr Coutts should be dragged into a party political disagreement merely for stating the opinion of the organisation responsible for dealing with much of the damage caused by the widespread overindulgence of cheap alcohol.
"Figures from the General Registry Office Scotland show that the population served by NHS Highland experiences double the UK average rate of alcohol related deaths," Mr Thompson said.
"It is perfectly proper for the board of NHS Highland to take a close interest in measures to reduce this depressing statistic.
"It is therefore reasonable that Mr Coutts, as head of the organisation responsible for promoting the health of the population, should share the results of this research with politicians who were about to vote on the passage of a piece of legislation the board believes would have a dramatic impact on the health of the area.
"What he could not have foreseen was that his attempt to act in the best interest of the area's would result in him being dragged into a party political spat by the health spokeswoman of an opposition party.
"Just because NHS Highland's objective analysis came to the same result as the Scottish Government's investigations, Mrs Scanlon accused Mr Coutts of setting out to campaign on behalf of the SNP.
"That was obviously not his aim. He was just urging politicians to set aside their party prejudices and to vote for the most sensible policy.
"For Mr Coutts to be attacked in this completely irresponsible way was totally unacceptable and if anyone needs to apologise
it is Mrs Scanlon for trying to drag a public official into the political arena."
Notes:
Figures from the General Registry Office Scotland show alcohol related deaths within the area covered by NHS Highland were 195 per cent of the UK average during 2008.
Within the Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber constituency the rate was 198 per cent of the UK average while within the Ross, Skye and Inverness West constituency the figure was 199 per cent of the UK average.
Garry Coutts' letter to Mr Thompson can be viewed here.
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