A Dundee-based Labour MSP has criticised a senior NHS Tayside director for apparently displaying his political allegiances at the health board’s annual review.
Dr Drew Walker, NHS Tayside’s director of public health, was said to be wearing SNP and CND lapel pins at Monday afternoon’s event in Ninewells Hospital, which was chaired by Scottish Government Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman.
This was criticised by Jenny Marra MSP, who asked whether NHS officials should be allowed to demonstrate their political allegiances
She posted on Twitter: “Is there a code for senior public officials to be more politically impartial in their professional roles as they’re serving the whole population?”
Director of Public Health wearing SNP badge, CND badge and YES band at NHS Tayside annual review. Is there a code for senior public officials to be more politically impartial in their professional roles as they’re serving the whole population?
— Jenny Marra (@JennyMarra) February 25, 2019
NHS Tayside said they are investigating whether Dr Walker breached their Code of Conduct.
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “We have a Members’ Code of Conduct for Board members and Standards of Business Conduct for all NHS Tayside staff.
“We are now looking into this issue which has been raised.”
Later on Monday night she told The Courier: “Dr Drew Walker was NOT wearing an SNP pin at NHS Tayside’s annual review today.
“Dr Walker was wearing a pin supporting the campaign against gender-based violence.”
