Jeremy Hunt orders bosses from the 60 worst NHS trusts to London be read the riot act over health failings
Casualty wards should treat at least 95 per cent of patients within four hours, but 21 trusts have failed to hit that target consistently since April
THE bosses of the 60 worst NHS trusts have been ordered to London to be read the riot act by Jeremy Hunt.
The Health Secretary wants to send a warning to hospital chiefs failing to hit A&E targets that they must do more or risk losing their jobs.
Also at Monday’s “mandatory meeting for leaders of the most challenged systems” will be NHS England chief Simon Stevens and Jim Mackey, head of watchdog NHS Improvement.
Mr Stevens warned last week the health service must free up thousands of beds in preparation for a winter flu epidemic.
A health source said: “Sixty trust bosses have been ordered to London — it was not optional.
“Jeremy Hunt and NHS England want to make sure everyone is prepared as they can be for winter.
“They are going to be read the riot act.”
A copy of a letter to the trust chiefs, seen by the Sun on Sunday, says: “We will cover our expectations of your systems in readiness for, and throughout, this winter.”
It was signed by Mr Stevens, Mr Mackey, Mr Hunt and national urgent and emergency care chief Dame Pauline Philip.
Casualty wards should treat at least 95 per cent of patients within four hours of arrival.
But an analysis by the Health Service Journal found 21 trusts have consistently failed to hit 85 per cent since April.
£20m for bedsores
Exclusive by Ryan Sabey, Political Correspondent
NHS chiefs have paid out over £20million in bedsore cases in a year.
Nearly £10million for the 271 claims was in damages with legal bills topping £10million.
Patients who won cases got £80,000 on average.
Labour’s Sharon Hodgson said: “It’s staggering so many are suffering.”