Hospital trust boss is sacked for gross misconduct
SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk hospitals boss Jonathan Parry has been dismissed from his post for gross misconduct.
The move follows a long drawn-out series of investigations during which the chief executive has been on “gardening leave” for the past year and two months.
Mr Parry has the right to appeal against the decision.
A disciplinary hearing reviewed 21 allegations of misconduct, with the panel finding evidence on 11 counts of misconduct, seven of which amounted to gross misconduct.
The panel’s recommendation has been accepted and implemented by the trust board.
But the trust has refused to reveal the nature of the misconduct findings against Jonathan Parry, while trust chair Sue Musson has declined requests to be interviewed or to answer further questions.
Mrs Musson said: “This has been a very serious and complex matter for the trust, and I am grateful to the panel for conducting the hearing and reviewing all the evidence so diligently.
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the individuals who came forward and spoke out about their concerns. Following this difficult time for everyone concerned, the trust now has an opportunity to focus on the future.”
Responding to the sacking of Mr Parry, Sefton Council Lib Dem health spokesman Cllr Tony Dawson said: “We appear to be still some way from the end of this matter.
“There are appeal processes and even potentially legal processes still to come.
“Bizarrely, I understand that there are also disciplinary hearings taking place about other former local NHS managers besides Mr Parry, despite them having resigned or retired already. The cost of these processes will all continue to detract from the provision of our local NHS.
“What concerns me rather more is that there is a draft Care Quality Commission report as yet unpublished and being kept under tight wraps and plans for the future of our hospital have been put forward to ministers by NHS chiefs with no input whatsoever from anyone representing local people.”
Pat Atkinson, chair of Kew Ward of Southport Labour, has called for the public to be made fully aware of the failings that have resulted in this loss to the public purse.
She said: “We have deep concern at the apparent inability of trust management to execute the hearing of the claims against senior management of Southport Hospital in a timely manner, resulting in considerable cost.
“This is even more remarkable at a time when local sustainability and transformation plans look set to slash NHS funding and undermine our local health system.”
Sefton Conservatives were also approached for comment.