New chief in pledge on hospital's future

The new chief executive in charge of Cannock Chase Hospital today pledged its future was safe.

Lyn Hill-Tout was today confirmed as the new permanent boss at the troubled Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs scandal-hit Stafford Hospital.

Speaking on her appointment the 55-year-old said Cannock Chase was vital to the trust.

Speculation over the future of the hospital has been fuelled by ward closures and the relocation of services.

But Mrs Hill-Tout, who replaces troubleshooter Antony Sumara, said today: "I have not been to Cannock Chase Hospital yet but I plan to spend a few days in the Stafford area and have a good look round. It does have a future, community hospitals are vital to local people, you can't expect them to always travel."

She said she would be investigating what services should be provided at Cannock Chase Hospital in the future and would be holding discussions with GPs.

Mrs Hill-Tout has worked in the NHS for 34 years and is currently chief executive at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon. She will take on the top job in Stafford on June 13.

She will join the trust at a difficult time and will face ongoing concerns about patient care as well as having to deal with the widespread lack of trust in Stafford Hospital and the fallout from the Francis Inquiry.

Sir Stephen Moss, chairman of Stafford Hospital, said she was the right person for the job as she has a strong focus on patient care and wanted to engage with the community and staff.

But he stressed she would be given strict performance targets and would be watched by the board to ensure "mistakes of the past do not happen again."

Mrs Hill-Tout, who has pledged to move to Staffordshire as soon as possible, welcomed the challenge saying: "Improvement is underway, although we still have a great deal to do."

She promised unacceptable behaviour and poor care would not be tolerated.

Mrs Hill-Tout plans to meet with Cure the NHS and its founder Julie Bailey as soon as possible.