§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many candidates(a) applied and (b) were interviewed for (i) the chairmanship and (ii) the post of chief executive of the new west midlands, south strategic health authority. [28593]
§ Yvette CooperI understand from the National Health Service Appointments Commission that there were six applications for the chair post, and three candidates were interviewed.
91 individuals applied in response to the advertisement to recruit chief executives designate to all strategic health authorities. 52 candidates were interviewed for all posts. Appointments were made to each authority from a shortlist of successful candidates.
Candidates were asked to indicate their preference in their applications in terms of the geographical location they wish to work based on the current NHS regional boundaries. 26 applicants expressed an interest in being a chief executive of a strategic health authority in the west midlands, either exclusively or as a multiple choice. 11 were interviewed.