The British Medical Association (BMA) will tell the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee that plans to introduce direct elections to health boards will do nothing to improve consultation among the public.

Speaking in advance of his appearance before the Committee, as part of its consideration of the Direct Elections to Health Board Bill, Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman the BMA's Scottish GP committee, outlined the reasons why the BMA opposes the Bill. He said: "It is clear to us that the public and the profession do not feel involved in decisions about changes to their local health services, but introducing direct elections to NHS Boards will not solve the problem.

"The current system that NHS Boards are using to consult is not working, the public is not happy about decisions that are being made and they don't feel that their views are being taken into account. However, whether this Bill stands or falls, NHS boards will continue to be required to consult the public on service changes.

"Instead of looking at unnecessary legislation, the focus of this inquiry should be on how Boards can improve consultation processes and communicate better with the public rather than introduce expensive elections that divert much needed NHS funding away from patient care."

The BMA's written submission states that: