Leader makes case for NHS board HQ in Dundee

The leader of Dundee City Council has written to the First Minister making the case for the headquarters of a new strategic NHS board to be located in Dundee.

Councillor Mark Flynn said today there were “strong economic, geographic and operational” reasons for “unique” Dundee to secure the HQ and the jobs that would come with it.

It comes after the Scottish Government revealed plans to cut the number of health boards providing local services across Scotland from 14 to two.

Existing boards could be merged so that there would be one for the west and another for the east of Scotland.

Councillor Flynn believes that Dundee would be the ideal site for the latter’s headquarters, and has moved quickly to put forward the argument for the city to First Minister John Swinney.

Councillor Flynn, who also chairs the Dundee Partnership forum, said: “Basing one of the proposed boards here would be a game-changer for the city.

“I’ve long put forward the argument for more civil service jobs to come to Dundee, and there’s never been a more persuasive case than the proposed restructuring of NHS boards.

“While the criteria for deciding on the locations have not yet been set out, I’m clear there are strong economic, geographic and operational reasons for choosing Dundee.

“With the deprivation challenges that Dundee faces, it is essential that we create the employment and opportunities for local people that would come with a major public sector headquarters.

“The converse is, of course, also true. If we were to lose high-value employment from the demise of NHS Tayside to a new board based elsewhere, it would be a significant blow to the local and regional economy.

“Dundee is also a more affordable city than Edinburgh or Aberdeen, which would help to attract talent and reduce costs in what is a radical shake-up.

“The geographic case is evident. An equal distance between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Dundee is perfectly located in the heart of east Scotland to support a board which could stretch from the Borders to the top of Aberdeenshire.

“Most of all, Dundee presents a unique set of operational advantages. There’s already so much expertise here, with a world-leading teaching hospital and two fantastic universities.

“One of those universities has unfortunately had to reduce its workforce by around 1000 – skilled people who could assist with recruitment for a new NHS Board.

“We have the infrastructure in place to deliver on the Scottish Government’s vision, and I’m putting that case directly to the First Minister.”

The Council leader called on others in the city – and the surrounding area - to throw their weight behind bidding for the heaquarters.

“I’m sure the rest of our partners in public sector, politicians at local and national level, the business community and the local press will back the case for Dundee,” added Councillor Flynn.

“We have great partnerships in Dundee – it’s one of the city’s strengths. The Dundee Partnership has already agreed to endorse the call for the HQ to be located here.

“We also work well with our neighbouring authorities, as evidenced by the success thus far of the Tay Cities Region Deal.

“Siting a strategic board HQ in Dundee would undoubtedly benefit the economy of the wider Tay Cities region.”