Paul Rowen takes Oldham MP's to task over parochialism

Date published: 09/03/2006

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is concerned about the motives of three Labour MP's. The three Oldham MPs are demanding a Government investigation into the appointment of the new chairman of the troubled Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs the  the Royal Oldham, as well as Rochdale Infirmary and other hospitals in the region.

Michael Meacher, backed by Phil Woolas and David Heyes, tabled a parliamentary question calling for an inquiry into John Jesky's controversial selection.

Mr Jesky landed the job as interim chairman of the trust - which has a budget in excess of £400million - on March 2.

His appointment came just 18 days after a Leeds-based christmas hamper firm, FHSC, of which Mr Jesky was a director, was placed in administration with the loss of 130 jobs.

The Altrincham-based businessman, who was sole shareholder earning a six-figure salary plus pension and a £133,000 dividend in 2004, was also made redundant.

Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has written to the SHA expressing his concerns.

"I've asked whether this appointment was made in full knowledge of Mr Jesky' s business affairs," he said. "There is a need for continuity at senior management level and we also need a local person in that position. Mr Jesky has no local connections to the Royal Oldham Hospital whatsoever - I don't think he has even been there.

Paul Rowen commenting on the motives behind the call for an enquiry said:

"Of course I have concerns about this appointment.  I would hope however that the Oldham MP's have the best interests of health in mind, rather than being political or parochial.  I know that their preferred appointment would have been former Oldham Labour Leader John Battye.  I am very suspicous of the three Labour MP's motives, I think at the moment the job of Manager of Newcastle United would be more stable than Chairman of the Acute Pennine
Trust. 

"I would also question Phil Woolas' remarks - he needs to aware that the Pennine Acute Trust is more than just Oldham and as a Government Minister he should practice more grown up politics. 

"I would hope that when the permanent position is filled we can make a fresh start in Rochdale, Bury, North Manchester and Oldham and have someone who committed health care in all our areas."