Monitor takes action at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Published on: 26th October 2012

Monitor has found Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in significant breach due to its persistent failure to meet its A&E four hour target and concerns about its Board governance and financial performance.

To address these concerns Monitor requires the Trust to:

  • improve its A&E performance through the development and implementation of a robust action plan;
  • take rapid action to strengthen the 2012/13 financial plan, with particular focus on cost savings and cash management; and
  • commission a review of its Board governance and agree the scope of this work with Monitor.

Monitor’s chief operating officer Stephen Hay said: “We have been tracking the Trust’s performance for some time and are requiring action to be taken because it is not acceptable that the Trust is persistently failing its A&E patients. We now expect the Trust to focus on immediately and sustainably resolving this issue.

“We require the Trust to scope out a review of its Board’s governance and immediately improve its 2012/13 financial plan to deliver effective cost savings. As part of this the Trust needs to get to grips with its cash flow.”

The Board is required to report to Monitor on its monthly performance. Monitor will use its regulatory powers to take action if the Board does not deliver the required improvements within the specified timescales.

Ends

Notes for editors

  • For media enquiries please contact Emma Shepherd on 020 7340 2438
  • A copy of Monitor’s decision to find the Trust in significant breach is available here
  • More information about how Monitor regulates foundation trusts is available here
  • Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.
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