Editorial Tuesday 1 November 2011: Will Chairman Mal turn Trappist on GP issues?

An email from a Health Policy Insight reader points out a fascinating wrinkle in the appointment of Chairman Mal - Professor Malcolm Grant - as chair of the NHS Commissioning Board.

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Health Secretary Andrew Lansley (saviour, liberator) last week confirmed to Pulse that GP contracts will continue to be held by the NHS Commissioning Board.

Chairman Mal sits atop the NHS Commissioning Board.

And he is married to a GP.

Which our correspondent's legal advice points out makes Dr Grant a "relevant person" - a partner - someone who is married to, a civil partner or someone with whom the individual lives with in a similar capacity.

Given that GP primary care will be dealt with directly by the NHS Commissioning Board (which SOS Lansley has confirmed is to hang onto responsibility for GP contracts), and that his wife is a GP, Professor Grant may have to exclude himself from any discussions and decisions which may be to the advantage or disadvantage of GPs.

What a curious state of affairs that would be.