CIPs led to patient safety risk

According to the independent review of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, commissioned by NHS Improvement, the trust had sufficient contract income to continue with its level of services when established in 2010. But commissioners asked for significant cost savings over the following four years. As well as accepting this unsustainable revenue position, the report said, the trust sought to generate a significant surplus over the same period – apparently in support of its bid to gain foundation status.

The review added that the trust had not adequately considered the cumulative impact of these measures. To address cost pressures, it aimed to make cost savings of 15% in one year, but there was no evidence managers or the board saw this as a substantial risk.

Cost reductions focused largely on cuts in staff numbers. There was ‘a culture based on fiscal delivery rather than patient care, and managers were driven to reduce cost, irrespective of whether it was in the best interest of patients and staff’, the review said.

Johanna Reilly, the trust’s chief operating officer, said: ‘On behalf of the trust, I apologise for the failings outlined in this review and I am extremely sorry that patients, families and members of staff suffered as a result.’

She added: ‘May I reassure people that significant progress has already been made and we will continue to monitor all our processes, clinical and HR practices to help ensure we deliver the highest standards of care.’

The trust is scheduled to become part of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust on 1 April.

NHS Improvement said the CIPs had put patients at risk. Its chief executive, Ian Dalton (pictured), said the report highlighted significant failings in patient care. ‘The report has important lessons for our organisation and the whole of the NHS. We will carefully consider its findings and take appropriate action. We expect to respond fully to the review’s findings by late March.’