Mr. Tony O'Brien:

A hospital might feel that because of the size and complexity of its operations it would never have been able to attract a clinical director or chief executive at the salary set for the hospital by reference to hospitals of similar size - a classic job sizing-type of argument. If it can successfully demonstrate that situation then the review panel might be minded to agree. On the other hand, if its arguments are found not to have substance then the review panel will not be minded to agree. I must say that the review panel has approached its work with considerable rigour. It has not come across as soft and woolly in its outcomes but that will all be apparent to the Chairman when we publish the report.