University Hospitals Birmingham Consultants Vote No Confidence in Leadership

Hundreds of consultants at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) have stated they lack confidence in the organization’s leadership team. The trust has faced criticism regarding instances of bullying and a toxic work environment, prompting the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to mandate improvements. Over 400 individuals participated in the survey, which referred to “recent events” and inquired whether they believed the Chief Medical Officer had demonstrated “honesty, integrity and openness”. A majority responded negatively across multiple votes. The chair of the trust indicated that the organization is working to “radically improve our performance, governance and culture”. Consultants were questioned about the board’s capacity to implement change, and in every vote, nearly 70% of those who responded expressed a lack of confidence in their leaders. Additionally, participants were asked about their confidence in the Chief Executive Officer and the trust board. The Bewick Report, published in March 2023, identified recurring instances of bullying and a toxic work environment. An independent review commissioned by the trust in September 2023 revealed that over half of the staff reported feeling bullied or harassed, prompting UHB to issue an apology for “unacceptable behaviours”. Dame Yve Buckland, UHB’s chair, stated that the trust is “undertaking one of the biggest turnarounds in the NHS”. She further commented, “The board of directors and I have complete confidence in our chief executive, chief medical officer and our executive team, as we continue this immense programme of change during extremely difficult challenges here at UHB and across the NHS more widely.” She added, “We welcome a culture of openness, both internally and externally, as part of our cultural improvement.” Regarding the survey, Dame Yve stated, “Whilst the survey is disappointing, and its methodology questionable, we believe it is not wholly representative of the Senior Medical Staff Committee and Local Negotiating Committee, with whom we continue to engage.” She also acknowledged, “We also recognise there are voices within this who need to be heard.” In March 2024, the trust announced Prof Kiran Patel as its new chief medical officer. Dame Yve remarked, “Prof Patel is proactively tackling these concerns.” She elaborated, “In doing so, he has uncovered a number of issues that may be uncomfortable for some but are necessary to address, at pace, to improve our culture, governance and, ultimately, patient safety and experience.” The trust operates four hospitals: Heartlands, the Queen Elizabeth, Good Hope, and Solihull.