Facing the Music

A health minister, who is responsible for NHS finance and performance, said he was “staggered” to hear that Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford (Mid Essex Hospitals Trust*) is offering £1 000 a day for a “Turnaround Director”.

The job is for a six month minimum contract but totals £261 000 if the successful candidate works a year of five day weeks and the ad states:

“In light of the pressures the NHS are facing, our client requires a Turnaround Director with a strong financial background to lead on a number of efficiency and cost saving measures. As an Interim, you will be instrumental to conceptualising and delivering these savings.” 

The minister said:

“I am staggered to learn of plans to appoint a Turnaround Director to look into efficiency issues and cost savings measures at a salary of £1,000 per day – which is significantly higher than the Prime Minister’s salary.

I am seeking an immediate justification from the Chief Executive of the MEHT* as to what is going on and why the decision has been taken to appoint this new staff member.” 

I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation...