By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 11:35, Monday, 20 August 2012

Regional health bosses are being urged to step in after hopes of fast-tracking new managers into north Cumbria’s hospitals stalled.

Tony Cunningham

Workington MP Tony Cunningham has written to the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) following news that new interim chief executive Ann Farrar is still not in post.

The debt-stricken Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals are in the process of being taken over following long-standing financial problems.

Following a lengthy bidding process, Northumbria Healthcare was eventually named as the successful trust back in February. However the deal is not expected to be formally finalised until December.

In May, safety concerns at the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital prompted the area’s four MPs to unite and call for managers from the new trust to be fast-tracked into place.

It was finally agreed that Mrs Farrar, Northumbria’s chief operating officer, would take over as interim chief executive from August 13.

But by the end of last week she had still not started – and it is understood it will now be September at the earliest. The North Cumbria trust put it down to delays signing a key agreement, but stressed that both parties remain committed to the takeover.

However Mr Cunningham – who has previously written to senior health ministers to ask why it was taking so long – said it was not good enough.

“I’m sick and tired of the delays and would call on the trust to just make a decision and do the right thing.

“This takeover should have happened last December. We’ve already waited eight extra months and it’s now going to be September at the earliest. I’ve written to the SHA demanding some action is taken,” he said.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson said he was also disappointed. “Clearly there are some issues still to be resolved. I hope this happens at the earliest opportunity so we can move on, to the benefit of staff, patients and the wider community.”

A North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust spokeswoman stressed that the two parties had held a “positive meeting” last week and were committed to getting the interim management in place as soon as possible.

However she added that the delays were due to the complex nature of the takeover, which must follow rigorous processes and safeguards. Further negotiations will be progressed in the coming weeks.

Former boss Neil Goodwin has now stood down from his post as interim chief executive, though he will continue to be employed by the trust in an advisory capacity. His deputy Alistair Mulvey has therefore become acting chief executive until an agreement is reached with Northumbria.

First published at 11:24, Monday, 20 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk