Complaints rebuffed as row over changes at NHS trusts still festers

NHS England has stood firm in support of changes at two Teesside hospital trusts after an ex-MP and former chief executive said a “full review” of the current leadership was needed.

- By STUART ARNOLD

Former Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham and ex North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Julie Gillon were two of several signatories to a letter sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticising a “deterioration of services and staff morale”.

The letter also referenced a lengthy legal battle which led to a judge ordering redacted elements of a previous report into governance at the trust commissioned by NHS England to be published.

A number of non-executive directors at North Tees previously resigned their positions, reportedly over a move to appoint a joint chief executive covering both North and South Tees hospitals. Both organisations have since agreed closer working arrangements with a new strategic grouping - University Hospital Tees - being established and a joint chief executive - Stacey Hunter - appointed.

A regional spokesman for NHS England, which prompted the changes, said: “Greater co-operation between North and South Tees is in the best interests of patients and supports the sustainability and safety of services. It is being progressed through good local leadership.”