15.09.15
Leader of deficit-ridden hospital steps down ahead of CQC report
The chief executive of Cambridge University Hospital NHS FT (CUH) has resigned a week before Monitor publishes an investigation into the provider.
Dr Keith McNeil, who has led the trust for three years, has stepped down in light of “very serious challenges”.
He said: “It is a matter of public record that we face a number of very serious challenges here in Cambridge, including a growing financial deficit, and I feel the time is right to have new leadership in place.
“When I joined in 2012, I spoke about having an unrelenting focus on patient outcomes. Three years on, thanks to the skill, drive and dedication of the teams working here, I am pleased our hospitals continue to provide our patients with outcomes that are not only some of the best in the UK, but in Europe.”
He did not give a concrete reason for his departure, with the trust’s chair, Jane Ramsey, thanking him for his efforts and leadership and bidding him success in his future career.
Paul James, the chief finance officer since 2014, will also resign from his role.
The trust, which runs Addenbrooke’s Hospital and The Rosie, is running a deficit of £1.2m a week and delivered a deficit of £10.3m by the end of May, against a planned deficit of £10m.
Because of this, health sector regulator Monitor launched an investigation into the trust in 31 July over its finances and the impact of its new e-hospital IT system, with a final CQC report due on 22 September.
Stephen Hay, its managing director, said at the time: “We have launched an investigation into CUH over financial concerns. This investigation will include how the trust handled the introduction of a major new IT system.
“We want to know more about the nature of the problems and will explore what can be done to improve things on behalf of patients in Cambridge.”
Cost-cutting decisions in the hospital seem to have been widespread as the BBC reported yesterday (14 September) that patients were no longer provided with ice in their water jugs. According to a spokesman, ice jugs were slashed in an attempt to save almost £40,000 per year, according to a spokesman – despite the benefits to some patients who need to swallow tablets.
(Top image c. Chris Radburn)