“Unchartered waters” for trust in administration

Published: 12 July 2012

The decision to place South London Healthcare Trust under a Special Trust Administrator is moving the NHS into unchartered waters, Dr Peter Carter has warned.

The Royal College of Nursing’s Chief Executive & General Secretary said the decision was an unprecedented step by the Health Secretary.

He said it “presents a worrying state of affairs for both patients and staff at the trust, who will be undoubtedly concerned by today’s decision”.

The trust was created in 2009 when three hospitals merged - the Princess Royal in Orpington, Queen Mary's in Sidcup and the Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich. It serves more than one million people.

It has been reported that the trust has run up debts of more than £150 million.

Dr Carter said: “We know that the trust has been in financial difficulties for some time. However, despite this, frontline staff have continued to do their best for patients, providing a high level of care.  The clinical advisory panel that is developed must engage in a meaningful way with nursing staff in order to produce the best possible outcome for patients. Indeed, NHS guidance for administrators states that staff should be engaged in the process.”

He added that it is important to involve patients in the next steps. Dr Carter said: “Patients need to be reassured that they can access a full range of services locally. If alternative methods of service delivery are to be considered, they too should be closely involved in the consultation process.”