MP queries health board choices

MEMBER for Clarence Steve Cansdell is not going to let the decision to drop Clarence Valley members from the local health board go without a fight.

MEMBER for Clarence Steve Cansdell is not going to let the decision to drop Clarence Valley members from the local health board go without a fight.

Mr Cansdell said he learned of the decision to drop Yamba solicitor Bob Thompson from the Northern NSW Local Health District board while he was on a study trip in the Ukraine earlier this month.

The decision, which came at the same time as the resignation of another Clarence Valley board member, Ron Bell, has left the region unrepresented on the board.

“I was very disappointed when I heard Bob Thompson had been dropped from the board,” Mr Cansdell said. “The North Coast Nats (Mr Cansdell, Lismore's Thomas George and Don Page, from Ballina) had decided on the make up of the board and when I saw the outcome I was not happy.

“I was very supportive of the work Bob Thompson has done and wanted him on the board.

“I sent a very direct email to our leaders letting them know what I though of the decision.”

Mr Cansdell said it was true he and Mr Thompson had “butted heads” at different times because their political views were at odds.

“Bob was an effective member of the board and even though we didn't see eye to eye politically, I believe it was a bad decision to remove him from the board.”

Mr Cansdell will return to Sydney next week when State Parliament resumes sitting and he intends to bring the matter up with Premier Barry O'Farrell, Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner.

“I'm not sure what I can achieve, but I will be going there to talk to them and get a better outcome for the Clarence Valley,” he said.

Just how he will achieve that, Mr Cansdell is not too sure.

“I've only just got back so I'm not sure exactly what's happened yet,” he said.

“I know for sure I've got the support of Thomas George in this and I'm pretty sure Don Page is on board as well.”

Originally published as MP queries health board choices