NHS Leaders Earning More Than Prime Minister Face Pay Cuts

Chief executives at some of England’s lowest-performing hospitals are earning salaries that exceed that of the Prime Minister. A recent analysis reveals that nearly all chief executives in the National Health Service (NHS) earn more than £200,000 annually, surpassing Sir Keir Starmer’s salary of £172,000. This situation has raised concerns about accountability and performance within the NHS.

The examination of NHS Trust accounts highlights that the leaders of the ten worst-ranked hospitals are particularly well-compensated. For instance, Professor Andrew Hardy, chief executive of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, which ranks third from the bottom, receives an annual salary between £275,000 and £280,000. Similarly, Jonathan Brotherton, who assumed his role in 2023 at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, ranked 128th out of 134 trusts, earns between £260,000 and £265,000. His overall compensation exceeds £400,000 when pension contributions of £165,000 to £167,500 are included.

In response to these disparities, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced plans that could lead to the dismissal or pay reductions of poorly performing NHS executives, with potential deductions of up to £15,000 from their salaries. Streeting emphasized that improved transparency and competition among hospitals could enhance patient care and operational standards.

The newly released government league table assesses 134 hospital trusts based on various performance metrics, including financial health and waiting times. Streeting believes that the rankings will foster a sense of “friendly rivalry” among NHS leaders, motivating them to strive for excellence. He stated, “Let’s be honest, because they are competitive people, NHS leaders are going to be looking over their shoulders, they are going to be looking at their peer group. They are going to be talking to their mates, and there is going to be some friendly rivalry, and that will help to drive up standards.”

As hospital trusts navigate these changes, the implications of these salary structures and the potential for executive accountability are under scrutiny. The hope is that with increased pressure to perform, the quality of healthcare services can improve, ultimately benefiting patients across the country.