A councillor has called for the entire board of a trust that runs Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital to resign in the wake of a critical report into high death rates.
The Government placed United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust (ULHT) in “special measures” after the publication of a review conducted by NHS England’s medical director Sir Bruce Keogh.
United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust (ULHT) is one of 11 trusts facing special measures.
Fourteen were investigated as part of the review.
External teams will be sent in, further inspections will take place and the trust will be partnered with another “high performing trust”.
Christine Talbot, of the county’s health scrutiny committee, said the board must “take responsibility” for problems at United Lincolnshire Hospitals trust.
Coun Talbot said: “I think it is time for them (the board) to consider their position... somebody has to take responsibility for this… it has happened on their watch.”
Figures released ahead of the report suggested ULHT as a whole had 1,531 deaths above the “expected mortality ratio” between 2006 and 2012.
However, ULHT describes being put in special measures as an “opportunity to continue our journey of improvement”.
The trust has committed to spending £7million this year and next on about 200 additional nurses.
Jane Lewington, the trust’s chief executive, said: “We have always seen the review as an opportunity to continue our journey of improvement.
“It has helped to ensure that our efforts are targeting the changes that will make the most impact on patient care.”
Interim director of nursing Eiri Jones said: “Historically, it has been difficult to fill all our vacancies. We also want to say to doctors and nurses in this country – come and work with us and help to make a difference.”