Why I won't be going to Bradford Hospitals "AGM and Open Event 2009"

Not so long ago I wrote how Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spent over £2 million of your and my money on "corporate services" - some of it justifiable, some rather questionable - and over £800,000 on a couple of boards (a real and very expensive one and a playtime board called the "Foundation").

Today I was kindly sent an invitation - in full colour with a freepost response (money to burn these guys) - to the Trust's Annual General Meeting and Open Event. This show involves the AGM itself (no agenda so I don't know what's involved - bet we don't get to vote in the real board as would be the case with a private business) followed by an open event full of demonstrations, tours, presentations and showcases. In fact, everything but the bouncy castle!

Now I think these events are a really good idea - they may cost a few pounds to put on (why don't they get their very rich suppliers to sponsor or is that frowned upon these days?) but it provides a chance to let the public see behind the scenes a little.

Or does it? Look a little closer - the event runs from 1.00pm to 6.00pm on a Wednesday. Hardly accessible to the public! Shouldn't it run when people who have a full time job (like me) can attend? Such as an evening or better still a Saturday! As a result the event will not see any ordinary folk attending - just the usual collection of the great and good (plus hangers on and aspirant masters of the Bradford universe).

So Mr Richardson, with your £50 grand salary for a couple of days a week, I'm afraid I can't come to your shindig because you're holding it at a time when half of the people who might like to come can't make it. Try to get it right next year, please!