THE NEWLY-appointed chief medical officer at Worcestershire’s troubled acute health trust has had a unanimous vote of no confidence passed on him in his current job.
Dr Suneil Kapadia, who is working his notice as medical director of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, closed the Accident and Emergency department at Grantham Hospital overnight between 6.30pm and 9am ‘for three months’ in August last year.
The reason given was for staff to ease shortages at Lincoln and Boston hospitals.
However members of Grantham Hospital’s medical advisory committee were so incensed by the lack of transparency and engagement by Dr Kapadia, that they held the vote of no confidence.
Grantham’s A&E department is still closed over night to this day, seven months on.
The issue has worrying parallels for his new employer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT).
The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch has already seen services move to Worcester due to staff shortages and the capabilities of its A&E department reduced.
Over Christmas WAHT closed its minor injuries units at the county’s community hospitals for a spell to help staff at the Alexandra and Royal Hospitals cope with a surge in patients.
Neal Stote, former chairman of campaign group Save the Alex said: “This is a very worrying development and it does raise questions over exactly what his role will b, particularly with regard to services at the Alexandra Hospital.”
Dr Kapadia’s appointment, which is permanent, was announced along with news that 2010 NHS Top Leader candidate Vicky Morris will be joining WAHT as chief nurse and Jill Robinson, currently on a six month secondment from NHS Inmprovement, will permanently take up the post of director of finance.
A spokesperson for WAHT said: “Dr Kapadia has been appointed based on his experience and skill as an executive medical director, with a track record of delivering change in challenging organisations.
“His leadership will help the trust in moving forward and delivering the high quality, safe care expected by the people of Worcestershire.
“The challenges we face as an organisation – especially in terms of urgent and emergency care – are well documented, but the Future of Acute Hospitals in Worcestershire plans currently out for consultation make clear the intention to retain Accident and Emergency Departments (A&Es) at both the Alexandra and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals.”
WAHT is currently in special measures and has been served with a Section 29a warning notice to improve by the Care Quality Commission.
