Beleaguered bosses of underfire Barnet Hospital are to be put under the spotlight in an inaugural scrutiny meeting between Barnet Council and the borough's health watchdog Barnet Community Health Council (CHC).
Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust was one of only 12 trusts in England to receive no stars in the new performance ratings announced in September with particular problems identified in waiting times for outpatient appointments and the treatment of breast cancer patients.
"We recognise the quality of care provided by hospital staff but the council has expressed its concern about the 'no star' rating given to the hospital trust," said Pam Coleman, ward councillor for Arkley.
Members of the scrutiny committee will ask what actions can be taken to improve standards and offer advice on improving services.
The meeting will be attended by Elizabeth Heyer, chief executive of Barnet and Chase Farms Hospitals NHS Trust, who faces the sack if the performance of the hospital does not improve.
Alan Sloam, chairman of Barnet CHC's shadow scrutiny committee, will also be at the meeting. He said: "But for the work of the CHC, some areas of performance would have been even worse.
"For example, we put a lot of pressure on the hospital to open up additional wards because our Casualty Watch monitoring showed their simply weren't enough beds to meet demand."
Members of the public are invited to attend the scrutiny meeting at Hendon Town Hall in The Burroughs, Hendon, on November 14 at 7pm.
November 6, 2001 12:56
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article