By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 12:02, Friday, 13 July 2012

An MP wants to know why the current chief of north Cumbria’s troubled hospitals is being kept on despite new bosses being brought in – and how much he is being paid.

Tony Cunningham

Tony Cunningham has written to Andrew Lansley demanding to know details about what role Dr Neil Goodwin, who currently gets £1,750 a day, will play after standing down as interim chief executive.

The North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs both the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital, announced this week that his current role will cease on August 13.

The debt-ridden Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals are in the process of being taken over by Northumbria Healthcare, a much bigger and more successful trust. The deal is due to be finalised in December.

In the light of growing safety concerns, MPs have been calling for it to be fast-tracked.

Current bosses have now agreed to bring in a temporary chief executive from Northumbria to take charge until the acquisition is complete.

Ann Farrar, who is currently Northumbria’s chief operating officer, will take over on August 13 when Dr Goodwin stands down. However he is to stay on in an advisory capacity.

Labour MP Mr Cunningham, who represents Workington, said although he welcomes the change in leadership, he is concerned as to why the trust is continuing to pay Dr Goodwin.

He said: “I’m delighted this is happening. It should have happened a long time ago. But I have put a written question to the minister asking why, when we are in such financial difficulties, we need to keep Dr Goodwin on, and how much he will be getting paid.”

His concerns were echoed by Sean Gibson, from health union Unison: “At a time of austerity within the trust, when staffing is at dangerous levels on some wards, there is a lot of concern when someone like Dr Goodwin can remain in post.”

The trust said that Dr Goodwin’s role will be to oversee the takeover process, which must remain independent Northumbria to comply with strict acquisition protocols. It added that he will be advising externally on these matters as, when and if required, and would be paid accordingly.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson said his main concern was to restore faith in the local hospitals – and believes new leadership will help do that.

“I’m very pleased that this is happening. It is the right thing to do and means we can start to move things forward with greater involvement from Northumbria,” he said.

“The long term goal is to restore staff and public confidence in the hospitals and this is the first step.”

Unison is now seeking urgent talks with Mrs Farrar to discuss its concerns over proposed staffing changes at the trust, among other issues.

First published at 11:24, Friday, 13 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk