October 28, 2009
The Goodwin Report has totally cleared NHS East Midlands of all the allegations made against it in respect of its handling of performance at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
A spokesman said:
“NHS East Midlands welcomed, from the outset, the independent “Goodwin inquiry” commissioned by the Department of Health. We are pleased that the report clears us of all the allegations made against us. It states that “there is no evidence of bullying or harassment of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust by the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority.” It goes on to say, as we have always believed, that the SHA’s approach was “fair, consistent with its own procedures, equitable and patient”. This will remain our approach; and the safety and quality of patient care will remain our absolute priority.
We also welcome the endorsement of David Nicholson, the Chief Executive of the NHS, in his conclusion that “the SHA acted appropriately throughout”.
We continue to work closely with both NHS Lincolnshire (the Primary Care Trust) and the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, to ensure that everyone in the county has access to the highest quality health services. We are pleased with the progress that has been made in the last three months and continue to support that progress.
We are also very grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from across the East Midlands health community and beyond.”
A summary of the Goodwin Report and NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson’s response can be read at the Department of Health’s website by following this link:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Equalityandhumanrights/
Bullyingandharassment/index.htm
