MP 'concerned' over new NHS boss

Kim Hodgson is to take up her new job in East Sussex next month

An MP has expressed "serious concerns" over the appointment of a new chief executive at a hospitals trust facing a multi-million pound financial crisis.

Kim Hodgson will run Eastbourne District General and Conquest Hospital, Hastings, which need to save £17m.

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson said the job had not been advertised in accordance with the normal rules.

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust said the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) supported Ms Hodgson's appointment.

I welcome the fact that the trust is no longer rudderless Nigel Waterson

Staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital were told last month that vacancies were being frozen as a result of the cash crisis.

The hospitals have been plagued by bed-blocking, which earlier this year led to the cancellation of 140 operations in seven weeks.

Extra cash had to be ploughed in to move 40 patients to nursing homes after the shortage of beds threatened the closure of Eastbourne hospital's A&E department.

The trust announced this week that Ms Hodgson, who is currently deputy chief executive at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, would take up her new job on 10 October.

Former chief executive Annette Sergeant is still on the East Sussex trust payroll but has not carried out her duties as chief executive for some time.

The trust said Ms Sergeant had been absent for personal reasons.

Mr Waterson said: "I naturally look forward to working closely with Kim Hodgson to tackle the major problems in our local NHS and I welcome the fact that the trust is no longer rudderless.

"But there are some serious questions to be answered.

The bed blocking crisis threatened the closure of A&E

"In what circumstances did Annette Sergeant cease to be chief executive? Does she remain on full salary? Will the details of any severance package be placed in the public domain?"

The trust said: "The SHA has supported the trust in making this appointment in this way because of the extenuating circumstances and the effect a further delay would have.

"The chairman (of the trust) will work together with Kim to determine when the trust will implement the standard appointment process."

It said any severance package for Ms Sergeant would be published in the trust annual accounts 2005/6.

Chairman John Lewis had spoken to Mr Waterson and a meeting was to be arranged for the MP to meet Ms Hodgson.