Health boss hits back

7:10pm Monday 6th October 2008

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A WINCHESTER health boss has hit out at a watchdog that slated his healthcare trust.

The Audit Commission branded Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust as among the worst performing financial managers in the country.

The trust received the lowest possible score and its financial performance was slammed as "inadequate."

The news comes only weeks after the trust was revealed to have paid off two highly-paid managers with six-figure settlements.

Chief executive Martin Wakeley said: "We are very disappointed with this rating but it should be put in perspective.

"The rating is unwarranted. We were asked for a medium term financial plan at a time when our finance director had been in post for a matter of weeks. I am pleased to say that this has now been done and shows a bright financial future for this Trust.

"Not only is the period covered now historic (April 2007-March 2008), but it was also one of immense change. There were new members of the trust board (including chairman, chief executive and finance director) and the top priority of the board in this year was to drive up the quality of care.

"The investment, in terms of finance and energy, has clearly paid off. Waiting times are down, the cleanliness standards are higher than ever and our infection rates are some of the lowest in the country."

The trust argues it actually has a sound financial record, breaking even in the last two financial years.

The trust got support from Alan Weeks, of the Winchester residents Association. Mr Weeks said: "Things have improved dramatically recently. Mr Wakeley is a very impressive figure."