NHS commissioning chief is private patient

Professor Malcolm Grant, provost of University College London, was confirmed in the role less than two weeks ago after being personally recommended by Andrew Lansley MP, the Health Secretary.

However the new revelation is likely to raise more complaints for NHS workers after the controversial appointment.

Pulse, the news service for GPs, reported the admission by Prof. Grant, which occurred during his questioning by the Health Select Committee of MPs the day before his appointment.

When probed about his passion for the NHS, Prof Grant replied: "I find it difficult to demonstrate because I am not a patient of the NHS."

He did explain how else he felt able to demonstrate his passion for the service.

"My passion for it, therefore, comes through my institutional involvement with some of London's leading hospitals," Prof Grant continued.

"We have people working in our hospitals who are saving lives on a daily basis. We have people who are developing research.

"We have a team working in Moorfields that I am really optimistic will come up with a stemcell approach to curing blindness. How fantastic is that?

"You cannot stand back coldly and say, "Gosh, that is very nice, but it doesn't matter to me." It matters to all of us," he added.

The interview also revealed that prior to his appointment, Prof. Grant had not met any Health Ministers but had met Lansley.

This may add to further questions about his suitability for the role.

Rosie Cooper MP asked: "Had you met with Ministers before your appointment?" to which Prof. Grant replied: "I have met Andrew Lansley, I think, on three occasions in my life."

However this response did not satisfy Cooper, who continued: "You have met Andrew Lansley. You have not met with Ministers before this appointment?"

Prof. Grant replied: "No."

The full transcript of Prof Grant's interview is available from the health committee with the key statement in response to question 19.