Conquest 'bullying' under investigation

A thorough review of management practices within the East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust will be undertaken after concerns were raised by patients and staff about unfair treatment and poor handling of complaints.

The Healthcare Commission - an independent healthcare watchdog - will be conducting individual and small group meetings with staff and patients about their experiences with the Trust over the coming months. The resulting report is expected in April or May.

Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker promised to "help the Trust to eliminate any problems by examining the improvements to its way of working."

In July, the British Medical Association denounced the decision to keep secret a report detailing allegations of bullying in the Trust last December.

Hastings BMA representative Dr Hugh Nicholson said: "Such an investigation is wide-ranging and has a lot of power, so it's not something I'd expect the Trust to be happy with.

"I welcome the investigation, as do many members of the BMA and of the public. The Trust has not carried out the full requirements of the independent inquiry panel last December and the cover-up has involved a breach of corporate governance and a disservice to the public, the government and ministers of state."

John Lewis, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust chairman, said, "We welcome this investigation by the Healthcare Commission. We take matters such as this very seriously and will work closely with the Healthcare Commission during their investigation."

The Healthcare Commission is launching its formal investigation after deciding the Trust's action plan for dealing with complaints procedures is not sufficient.

The investigation follows calls from MPs Michael Foster and Gregory Barker to publish the report.

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster said: "I'm not surprised because myself and Gregory Barker think this situation wasn't going to settle down without the Commission becoming involved.

"There's clearly a difference of opinion between the Commission and the Trust as to whether the action plan is sufficient."

p Local organisations, current and former Trust staff and other bodies are asked to come forward and give their views to the Commission. They can do so by phoning 0845 6012238, by writing to Healthcare Commission, Finsbury Tower, 103-105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8TG, or by emailing [email protected] stating the name of the trust they wish to discuss.