12.09.18
CCG chairman resigns over ‘conflict of interest’ after private provider deal
Dr Dan Bunstone has stepped down as chairman of Warrington CCG due to his role with a private online GP provider which is now set to work with the NHS.
Bunstone was appointed as chief medical officer for the private healthcare company Push Doctor in May and late last week the company reached an agreement with Modality, an organisation which holds NHS contracts, leading to a conflict of interest.
The under-pressure CCG chairman sent a letter to the town’s GP practices declaring his decision to resign from his post “following a lot of thought and discussion with family and colleagues.”
Dr Bunstone said: “This was a very difficult decision for me but I stand by the fact that, as a public figure, I take my responsibilities extremely seriously and, true to my word, have reconsidered my position given the potential conflict of interest with my other role now that Push Doctor are starting to work with the NHS.”
“I am not only chairman of the CCG – I am a local GP and resident and during my time with the CCG I have strived to ensure that the people of Warrington, my family, friends and relatives receive the best possible healthcare services.
“I am really proud to have been part of an organisation that really cares about making people’s lives better – the very fact that the CCG was recently rated as good demonstrates that we are improving local health care services.
The resignation comes less than a week after 16 of 24 GP practices in Warrington had signed a letter giving a vote of no confidence in the CCG’s leadership.
The loss of confidence follows the alleged “unjust dismissal” of one of the elected GP representatives.
Only one of four governing body members will remain in the post from next month after the resignation of two of the GPs.
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