Hospice chief suspended

THE head of “Warrington’s favourite charity” St Rocco’s Hospice and a doctor have been suspended pending an investigation by a health watchdog concerning a variety of issues including the management of medicines and record keeping.
Chief executive John Szostek and Dr Bokhari are currently suspended pending the outcome of the investigation by the Care Quality Commission, who are carrying out a check in response to concerns from the hospice management team that one or more essential standards of quality and safety were not being met.
Their report is expected to be made public on Wednesday.
The investigation follows concerns that various qualities are not being met at the hospice, including the management of medicines. Concerns have also been raised over admissions to the hospice, particularly at weekends.
Meanwhile Matron Beth Eccles, who has been the “face” of the charity for the past 20 years has resigned following unrelated health issues.
In a statement a hospice spokesperson said the management team at the hospice had been made aware of an issue a few weeks ago and took immediate action.
A full investigation into the matter has been instigated, with the full support of the hospice board and the commissioners.
“All necessary measures have been taken and patient safety and quality of service will not be compromised – the hospice is operating business as usual.
“As part of the process, two individuals have been suspended whilst the investigation takes place. It’s important to note that suspension is a neutral act: the purpose of which is to ensure that an impartial and thorough investigation can take place.
“The CQC have undertaken an unannounced visit which was very productive and we welcomed the opportunity to discuss our arrangements with them.
“The inspection team identified some good practice and some areas for improvement, which is not unusual. The CQC set extremely high standards and it has highlighted some areas for us to work on.
“We had already started to implement an action plan, which covers all the areas which the CQC identified as areas for improvement and many of the actions are complete or are already in progress.
“It was noted during the initial feedback that the CQC inspectors observed the dedication and commitment which was demonstrated by the hospice staff, and patients and relatives provided very positive feedback regarding the care delivered at St Rocco’s.
“The hospice has a long standing, excellent record of providing a much needed service to the people of Warrington and we are committed to ensuring that the hospice continues to learn, develop and will go from strength to strength.
“The hospice is running ‘business as usual’, with the full support of staff, the trustees and partners. Patients will continue to receive excellent care and the nursing staff will continue to do an excellent job.
The Hospice has been established in Warrington for 25 years and provides specialist care for patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.
It’s aim is to help everyone have the best quality of life by providing care and support in a friendly, relaxed environment.
The popular charity is often referred to as “Warrington’s favourite charity.”
It is not the first time the hospice has been surrounded in controversy, most notably following a dispute with its former medical director Michael Ashley in 1998.