Could there be more cuts ahead for local health services? And already 18 months late, will cost over-runs on Mayday’s new A&E department hit other services? Those are just two of the issues waiting in the in-tray for the local health Trust’s CEO
The Croydon NHS Trust has this morning named its new chief executive as Matthew Kershaw, a health service executive with 25 years of experience, including working as the CEO at two other NHS Trusts.
Croydon NHS’s new chief has an A&E department that is two years late, and £19m of cuts to implement
Intriguingly, in a footnote to the announcement, the Trust has said that, “Matthew is joining the Trust on a fixed term contract agreed with NHS Improvement while the Trust reviews its management structure”, which could suggest that further cuts could be on their way in Croydon’s health services, which are already trying to implement £19million-worth of cuts this year alone.
NHS Trusts tend not to publish the pay of their senior staff, but reportedly the salaries of CEOs of other Trusts range from £170,000 to £250,000 per year.
Kershaw takes over on October 1, as John Goulston, the Trust’s chief executive for six years, retires. The Croydon Health Services NHS Trust is responsible for the running of Mayday and Purley hospitals, as well as oversight of the area’s GPs and other health services.
One of the first issues Kershaw faces will be dealing with the late delivery and possible cost over-runs of the new Accident and Emergency department at Mayday. Work on the £21.3million project started in November 2015 and was due to be completed by March 2017, but now it could be another four months at least before it is properly operational.
Kershaw will also be expected to continue the policy of financial cuts to services, after the Trust was placed in Special Measures in 2016 for over-spending its budget.
In its statement published to announce Kershaw’s appointment, the Trust said, “Matthew will be responsible for ensuring that CHS further enhances its quality of care and performance – including maintaining some of the lowest hospital waiting times in London – whilst continuing to revive the Trust’s financial health.”
Can’t wait: Matthew Kershaw
Kershaw has previously worked as CEO at East Kent, where he led the Trust out of Quality Special Measures, and was for three years the CEO at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. He has also worked nationally at the Department of Health, including developing the delivery plan for the 18-week waiting time target and being the first trust special administrator. Most recently, he has worked as a Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, the health think-tank.
Announcing the appointment, Mike Bell, the chairman of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “Matthew has more than 25 years’ experience in the health service, managing large acute trusts and holding prominent national policy-making roles. His skills will be invaluable in leading the Trust on the next chapter of its improvement journey.
“Our cancer waiting times are some of the best in London, but like many NHS Trusts, our Emergency Department is under increasing pressure. With our clinicians, Matthew and the senior team at CHS will be responsible for further improving our performance. Working alongside our partners we want to provide excellent – and more coordinated care – for more people as our population continues to grow.”
Kershaw said: “I can’t wait to get started and this is a really exciting time at the Trust with the construction of its brand new emergency department that will further improve services for patients and the care environment for staff.
“I am looking forward to working with all staff as we drive forward continued improvements in performance across the Trust, and strengthening our partnerships across the borough to transform our care – both in and out of hospital.”
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