Why the task force to oversee the management of NHS services in Tayside has been established.

The people of Tayside deserve well-run, flexible health services in which they can have confidence
- and for which local health bodies are truly accountable. I therefore announced on 15 February, the creation of a high level Task Force whose remit is to work with Tayside Health Board and the two local NHS Trusts to ensure that local health services are planned and delivered effectively and within the total resources available.The Task Force has been put in place to work with and alongside the Tayside Health Board and Trusts to:deliver an effective financial recovery plan for the local acute Trust which is forecasting an overspend by end March of up to £12 million;develop a cohesive Health Improvement Programme and Trust Implementation Plans which deliver real improvements in health for the people of Tayside; and progress the local Acute Services Review which will map out the delivery of modern, patient-centred hospital services in the medium and longer-term.Any findings and recommendations made by the Task Force will be for the Health Board and the two NHS Trusts to consider. The Scottish Executive Health Department will continue to assess the performance of the NHS in Tayside through its normal performance management arrangements and the work of the Task Force will be an integral part of that arrangement.I have given the Task Force a great deal of autonomy over the means by which they achieve this very challenging task. This may involve public or private consultation but ultimately the decision on this matter shall rest with the members of the Task Force.