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Monitor announces investigation into Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

11 Jun 2013 12:53 PM

Health sector regulator Monitor has today announced that it is investigating Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust because of potential financial sustainability concerns declared by the Trust.

The Trust has predicted that it will face significant financial pressure over the next three years and the health sector regulator has decided to investigate to find out more.

Paul Streat, Regional Director at Monitor, said: "The Trust has forecast a financial deficit and we are investigating at an early stage to find out more. Monitor has not yet reached a view as to whether there has been any breach of the licence conditions."

"Patients expect to see their services run well and by investigating at this early stage we can make sure that any issues are addressed quickly and effectively."

The investigation is one of the first investigations to take place under the Monitor's provider licence regulatory regime which came into force on April 1st 2013. This aims to protect and promote patients interests. Monitor has also launched investigations into Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust after the Trusts failed to meet financial and governance standards.

Monitor is investigating the trust for the following reasons:

  • Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has failed to meet C. Difficile, MRSA, A&E 4 hour waiting time and the Referral to Treatment (admitted patients) targets.
  • Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a predicted financial deficit.
  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has persistent breaches of A&E targets.
  • University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has persistent breaches of A&E targets.

We will meet with the boards of the four Trusts and will make an announcement about the result of the investigations once we have reviewed the evidence.

Notes to editors

  • For media enquiries please contact Isabella Sharp, Media Relations Manager, on 020 7340 2442 (isabella.sharp@monitor.gov.uk)
  • Monitor is the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of patients
  • Information about Monitor's role can be found here
  • Monitor's Enforcement Guidance sets out the procedure we will follow when we become aware of a potential breach of the licence. When we decide to begin an investigation, we will notify the provider, set out what we are investigating, the key contacts at Monitor and the expected timetable. The provider will be given the opportunity to make representations. Monitor's Enforcement Guidance press release can be found here
  • NHS foundation trusts with known or potential breaches of the provider licence can be found here
  • Follow us on Twitter - @MonitorUpdate