“IF I have been criticised for listening to doctors, then so be it” – that was the defiant message from Harry Turner, the outgoing chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT).
He was reflecting on a tumultuous five years at the top of WAHT, five years which have seen the transfer of key services from the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch to Worcester Royal and which this year has seen the trust’s expected debt balloon to £60 million.
“You would be a fool to sit in my chair and not listen to the doctors, something the politicians at times haven’t done,” he added.
He was referring to decisions to move major gynaecology cases, maternity and other services out of the Alex to Worcester on the grounds of safety due to a lack of qualified staff cover.
He also condemned the Save the Alex campaign for “personal attacks on me for decisions made on the grounds of patient safety”.
When asked if he felt he was leaving the trust in a better shape than when he arrived he said: “I’m going with more good memories than regrets.
“We’ve taken huge steps forward in oncology (cancer) services, and radiotherapy, we have the breast unit and our stroke services are excellent.
“We also have real clinical leadership and that’s the way to move forward.”
If there are regrets it is that the reconfiguration of the trust, including moving more services to Worcester from Redditch, wasn’t done sooner.
“Cheltenham did it in 18 months while we picked the worst possible moment, and the length of time it has taken is a cause for regret because it has cost us much and impacted on safety,” he said.
He added that only by working together with the county council, social services, GPs and other stakeholders could progress be made in improving the health and wellbeing of all.
He said he had no plans for the immediate future by added: “I have really enjoyed my time in the NHS, and I’ve learnt a lot. I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying in Worcestershire so it will still be my local health services.”
However Neal Stote, chairman of the Save the Alex campaign slammed Mr Turner’s reign as a failure: “Our criticisms are based on fact. Back in 2012 he was calling for A&E at the Alex to be reduced to a minor injuries unit. Look at the figures now, without the contribution of the Alex’s A&E his trust would be at the centre of a Midlands and possible national scandal.”
