Hospital implements hiring restrictions to address £11m financial deficit

A hospital has announced “stronger controls” on recruiting staff in an attempt to plug an £11 million gap in its finances. Prof Lesley Dwyer, the chief executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), stated that all open positions would be “subject to consideration on a case-by-case basis” through March. In an internal email previously circulated to staff, which the BBC reviewed, she recognized that this “incredibly difficult decision” would probably generate “additional pressure” during the winter period. Nevertheless, she affirmed that future hiring decisions would prioritize “quality and safety.” The email stated: “I recognise that holding a vacancy means that you may have to make adjustments to your service especially as we focus on keeping our services safe and maintaining patient flow during the increased demand we will face over the winter together.” It continued: “With greater external scrutiny on our financial position, we have no option.” The message further explained: “We are currently not delivering our agreed financial plan, we are spending more than we earn, and we are not being able to invest in the things that really matter.” Prof Dwyer concluded this section of her email by saying: “I know that this is not the news you would have wished at this time.” Prof Dwyer also indicated that comparable actions were being implemented “across the Norfolk and Waveney system.” In a separate statement provided to the BBC, she further commented: “We are custodians of public money and this action will help us to achieve a better financial position by the end of the financial year and moving forwards allow us to invest in the things that really matter.” She also stated: “We believe we have strong guardrails in place as part of this process to continue to deliver high-quality and safe care to the thousands of patients we see every day across our Trust.” In the previous week, the NNUH was identified as having the second-highest count of patients in England awaiting pre-planned treatment for a minimum of 18 months. Additionally, in August, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessed the hospital’s performance as “requires improvement.” Prof Dwyer assumed the role of NNUH’s Chief Executive in February, following her tenure as head of the largest health authority in South Australia. In September, she conveyed to the BBC her apprehension that the practice of treating patients in corridors had become “normalised,” emphasizing that it ought to be reserved for “extraordinary circumstances” only.