THE CHIEF executive of a cash-strapped NHS trust has accused a campaigner of being personally offensive after he questioned his qualifications for the job. For months Iain McInnes, of the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, has been corresponding with Mick Pilling of Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign via email – an exchange visible to everyone on Mr Pilling's mailing list.

Mr McInnes generally finds time to reply to Mr Pilling's frequent questions.

But Mr Pilling asked Mr McInnes in a recent email whether he was "grossly academically under-qualified for the post of chief executive" and went on to demand proof of his qualifications.

Mr McInnes replied saying he found the campaigner's emails "increasingly personal and offensive", and he would not respond to any of a similar nature.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for the trust said: "Mr McInnes is eminently well qualified for the post, in both academic qualifications having successfully studied at postgraduate level and in practical experience having held three chief executive positions over seven years before taking up post at this trust. However, the appointment of a Chief Executive is far more complex than simply requiring certain academic qualifications."

She claimed academic qualifications were "not a matter for public speculation", saying: "Details of any individual's suitability for a post are established at interview: once an appointment has been made, it is evident that the candidate's academic qualifications are appropriate to the job, but are not a matter for public speculation.

"Mr McInnes has been patient and diligent in responding to Mr Pilling's frequent emails, and will continue to do so where these concern details about the operation of the trust."

But Mr Pilling who has led calls against the reduction of services at the hospital, including the axeing of the cardiac monitoring unit, was unrepentant: "He stated in the past he has nothing to hide but he still hasn't answered this important question.

"A lot of people don't believe the right decisions are being made about the running of this hospital.

"We fear the demise of Bridlington Hospital is rapidly approaching.

"I am told the hospital is like a ghost town now because everyone has to go to Scarborough for their appointments."

Meanwhile, yesterday afternoon East Riding Council voted unanimously in favour of a vote of no confidence in the trust.

A motion by Bridlington Mayor Ray Allerston calling on Health Secretary Alan Johnson to intervene, follows last month's mass demonstration in the town against cuts.