It’s unwise to end local scrutiny of NHS trusts

‘Local scrutiny by informed practitioners seems an essential check on the powers of a centralising Department of Health and health minister.’ Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

I wonder how many members of the public are aware that the latest health plan for England, due to be ratified by parliament this autumn, abolishes the role of statutory governors on all of its constituent health trusts?

For a number of years I have volunteered to act as a governor at two hospital trusts in Yorkshire. As a former health professional and principal nursing educator, I have brought years of experience to the role, for which I have been elected locally. For any organisation to wilfully remove hundreds of such skilled and committed activists from their supportive scrutiny seems ill-advised.