Changes at the top of under-fire NHS trust

CHANGES at the top of the underpressure Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust continue - with bosses confirming who will lead the medical workforce into the future.

In the run-up to the publication of January’s critical Care Quality Commission report, it was confirmed that executive medical director Andy Welch and executive director of nursing Maurya Cushlow would both be leaving their roles. It was reported these had been decisions “made some time ago”.

Mr Welch stepped down on January 31, days after the CQC inspection report which rated the city’s hospitals “requires improvement” was published, and Ms Cushlow was to retire in April.

Following a series of inspections in 2023, CQC inspectors reported that there had been a “significant deterioration” in the trust’s leadership and that some staff felt there was a culture of bullying. Specific issues around cardiothoracic surgery - with inspectors taking the unusual step of producing a separate report dealing with these - were also raised.

On Friday, the hospital’s new chief executive Sir Jim Mackey and interim chair of the board Prof Kath McCourt announced in a letter to staff the replacements for Mr Welch and Ms Cushlow. The trust bosses have decided to appoint two figures, both internal promotions, to the post of executive medical director.

Dr Lucia Pareja-Cebrian and Dr Michael Wright will share the role. Dr Pareja-Cebrian has previously served as director of infection prevention and control, while Dr Wright was deputy medical director, and has been acting up in the role since Mr Welch departed.

Ian Joy, formerly deputy chief nurse, while act as executive director of nursing for the next six months. Both Sir Jim and Prof McCourt are themselves new to their jobs, having replaced Dame Jackie Daniel and Professor Sir John Burn respectively at the turn of the year.

Further changes at the trust are expected, including at the cardiothoracic department. Governance and management were particular issues raised by the CQC.