The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has defended the appointment of a new independent member who lives in Herefordshire.
Paul Deneen has been appointed as an independent member on the health board for four years, replacing Monmouthshire councillor Frances Taylor.
But Monmouthshire councillor Paul Pavia has raised questions over the appointment, and says the role should be given to someone living in Gwent.
He questioned appointing somebody from over the border given “significant regional changes” taking place in Welsh NHS services.
“I would have thought that for someone to represent community interests on the health board, they should at least reside in one of the communities within the Gwent footprint,” Cllr Pavia said.
“That person’s role is to represent the views and interests of local patients, carers and their families across Gwent and to have a knowledge of and empathy with local community issues and priorities.
“While I am sure he has a number of transferable skills and health-related experience, if he’s living in Herefordshire, I struggle to see how he can robustly discharge his role as a community advocate and champion at board level here in Gwent.”
It is understood Mr Deneen was born and educated in Caerphilly County Borough.
He has previously served as non-executive director of NHS Herefordshire and was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The Welsh Government says it is not a requirement for board members to live within a health board area.
The criteria for independent members includes a knowledge of, and empathy with, local community issues and priorities; a citizen-focussed approach to championing the board’s role in serving the public; and organisation experience that will benefit the health board’s development.
A spokesman for the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board defended the appointment.
“The successful candidate, who has a long standing association with Gwent, was appointed following an open and rigorous selection process in accordance with the Public Appointments Procedures,” he said.
Independent member appointments are made by the minister for health and social services following recommendations from a selection panel.
The panel includes the health board chairman, an independent panel member and a Welsh Government representative.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Independent health board members are appointed through the fair and open public appointments process, based on their ability to play a full and active role on the board.”
Mr Deneen was contacted for comment.