A councillor came under fire last night as chiefs were pressed over why she had only attended one of 19 meetings as a governor of an NHS trust.

The leader of Bromley Council was questioned as to whether he was aware that Councillor Judi Ellis, who has been LBB’s representative as a Governor of Oxleas NHS Trust since 2013, had only attended one of 19 meetings with five apologies.

The trust is the main provider of specialist mental health care in Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich and the data on attendance is recorded up until November 2017.

Council leader Colin Smith defended councillor Ellis, saying she works hard as an advocate of mental health.

Cllr Smith said: “I wasn’t aware of this and it doesn’t represent Bromley’s attitude to mental health, not does it reflect Cllr Ellis’ tireless work assisting on mental health over many many years with a proven track record probably second to none in this chamber.

“I am advised that Cllr Ellis has had problems attending the many day time meetings, has found the information invaluable in building up her knowledge of mental health provisions in Bromley and compares this to provisions in neighbouring boroughs.

“The meetings are well attended by the voluntary sector and service users and provides adequate challenges to the providers.”

The Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust was inspected by healthcare watchdogs in May last year and found to be ‘Good’ across all areas following a report the year before telling it to improve.

“Cllr Ellis sits on the health scrutiny committee for both Bromley and south east London and finds the information valuable in that role when members hold Oxleas to account”, the leader continued.

A second point was also raised about whether the attendance reflected the council’s attitude towards mental health.

Cllr Smith said: “Mental health is and always has been a priority for this council.

“Cllr Ellis chaired a mental health advocacy charity for five years when not a councillor and is a representative at Bromley Y and regularly attends their evening meetings.”

The council leader added that the council is working with community health teams to improve patient care and discharge, and that proposed healthcare changes show the need for specialist mental health care.