MPs will get a chance to discuss the ongoing problems at Southern Health NHS Trust next month, after I succeeded in securing a Commons debate on the issue. As I lead on Health issues for the Hampshire All-Party Group of MPs, I will lead the 90-minute debate which will take place on the 8th June in the Westminster Hall debating chamber. Other MPs will be able to make speeches, which will then be responded to by a minister from the Department for Health.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) announced last month that it had issued a warning notice to the Trust ‘to improve its governance arrangements to ensure robust investigation and learning from incidents and deaths, to reduce future risks to patients.’ This followed a focussed CQC inspection in January, which was held as part of the response to the previous independent report into the Trust’s investigation into deaths in its care. The Trust’s Chairman resigned ahead of the publication of the full CQC report, and NHS Improvement has appointed a new Chairman, Tim Smart, and taken further regulatory action, inserting additional conditions to its contract to allow changes to be made to the Trust’s management if progress is not made with implementing changes.
I am very pleased to have secured this debate. The issues surrounding Southern Health have caused huge concern for many people, and it is right that as MPs we get the chance to debate them in Parliament. I know many of my colleagues in Hampshire and beyond have expressed serious doubts about the governance of the Trust, and remain to be convinced that the necessary improvements are being made quickly enough. In the run-up to the debate I will be seeking views from them, as well as from affected patients and their relatives, the regulatory bodies and the Trust itself. It’s vital that we have an informed discussion and air these concerns in public.