When Otago District Health Board employee Michael Swann was found guilty of a $17m fraud, Health Minister Tony Ryall held board chair Richard Thomson responsible and sacked him.
Thomson was elected to the board, chose to stay on as a member and is a candidate in the current election for what is now the Southern District Health Board which was formed when the Otago and Southland DHB’s amalgamated.
I have no doubt he’ll get back on and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he tops the poll.
I just hope he’s standing because he can make a positive contribution to the board and health services in the south and not in a misguided attempt to give the fingers to the minister.
