Damning reports on maternity and accident and emergency services have prompted the announcement of a new cabinet position on health.
The new role of cabinet member for Health will be filled by councillor for Valence ward, Maureen Worby, in response to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report which identified “serious failings” at Queen’s and King George’s hospitals last month.
Cllr Worby will be responsible for the dialogue and for partnership working between the authority and the NHS.
Cllr Liam Smith, leader of the council, said: “The need for a dedicated cabinet member focussing on health is absolutely compelling at a time when the council has real concerns about the performance of Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, and specifically the standard of care provided by Queen’s Hospital.
“The Care Quality Commission has recently made real criticisms about the healthcare standards provided to local people - and as a council we intend to both work in partnership with BHRUT to help resolve them and to hold the Trust to account. “
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospital Trust (BHRUT) runs both hospitals.
In further development, deputy leader Cllr Rocky Gill will lead on a re-shaped portfolio which brings together Finance and Education while Cllr Linda Reason will now have cabinet responsibility for both Children’s and Adults Services.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here