NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group chairman Dr Dan Bunstone resigns

Dr Dan Bunstone stepped down from his role with the CCG – which he has held since 2015 – last night, Monday.

He was appointed as chief medical officer for private healthcare company Push Doctor, an online medical consultation service, in May.

But late last week Push Doctor reached an agreement to work with Modality, an organisation which holds NHS contracts – leading to a conflict of interests for the CCG chairman.

A letter sent by Dr Bunstone to the town’s GP practices, seen by the Warrington Guardian, said that he had taken the decision to resign from his post ‘following a lot of thought and discussion with family and colleagues’.

He said: “I am not only chairman of the CCG – I am a local GP and resident and during my time with the CCG I have strived to ensure that the people of Warrington, my family, friends and relatives receive the best possible healthcare services.

“During the last three years or more, I have worked hard and have used my experience and position to influence improvements in health care services for the better of local people.

“I am really proud to have been part of an organisation that really cares about making people’s lives better – the very fact that the CCG was recently rated as good demonstrates that we are improving local health care services.

“This was a very difficult decision for me but I stand by the fact that, as a public figure, I take my responsibilities extremely seriously and, true to my word, have reconsidered my position given the potential conflict of interest with my other role now that Push Doctor are starting to work with the NHS.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman and am proud of the hard work and commitment of both the membership, the CCG leadership and support team and would like to thank them for their support and friendship.

“In terms of arrangements for the future, I will of course continue to undertake my duties and support colleagues as the process to appoint a new chairman is progressed.”

Dr Bunstone’s resignation comes less than a week after it was revealed that 16 of 24 GP practices in Warrington had signed a letter giving a vote of no confidence in the CCG’s leadership.

He and clinical chief officer Dr Andy Davies came under fire following the resignation of two GPs from its governing body – with one set to stay in post until October – and the perceived ‘unjust’ dismissal of another.

From next month this will leave only one of four governing body members in post, which concerned practices said made the CCG ‘non-viable’.

The letter of concern also cited a ‘series of inappropriate and unbecoming incidents and allegations’ as well as ‘recent disappointing behaviours’ by Dr Bunstone and Dr Davies.

Meanwhile, Dr Davies has responded to concerns raised by doctors in a letter dated Friday, September 7.

His letter, also seen by the Warrington Guardian, states: “I can confirm that quorate meetings of the governing body can still take place in these circumstances – however, it is recognised that this is not the position we would wish to find ourselves in over the longer term in relation to effective clinical engagement from member practices.

“The governing body would wish to support the process of election and induction to the current vacant GP governing body posts as soon as possible – unfortunately, we have been informed that there are no current nominations from the respective two federations.

“This does give the CCG cause for concern, and it is a situation that we would wish to rectify in partnership with member practices.

“I can confirm that the contract of a GP representative was recently terminated for conduct reasons associated with a conflict of interest issue – this followed a robust process involving all appropriate parties and an external independent investigation with specialist human resources and legal advice.

“The conclusion of the investigation was that there was an evident breach of the CCG’s business conduct and conflict of interests polices and processes.

“The decision to terminate the contract of the individual was therefore made in view of the breach identified, the related breakdown in relationship between the individual and the CCG and the inability to satisfactorily address the conflict situation.

“I am confident that with the current governing body composition and extensive skills, experience and complement of our workforce we are fully viable to discharge the required statutory duties and powers to the appropriate standards.”

Dr Davies also addressed allegations concerning his and Dr Bunstone’s behaviour.

The letter added: “I am surprised in respect of your comments regarding a series of incidents and allegations over the past year – I understand that the CCG has not received any formal complaints or allegations during this period through our usual formal channels.

“I am also unable to address the points raised in your letter with regards to the ‘disappointing behaviours’ of myself and the chairman due to the lack of information and examples provided.”