Health Boss Stephen Eames has insisted the Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals are safe.

It comes after a number of serious incidents which have been or are being investigated.

They include six so-called ‘never events’ which have occurred at the Cumberland Infirmary or West Cumberland Hospital since July – five in theatres.

Staff have also spoken out, with one senior medic admitting they would drive their children outside the county in an emergency rather than attend hospital here.

But Stephen Eames, chief executive of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, has reassured the public that there was no need to worry, insisting services are safe and that they are taking a zero-tolerance stance when it comes to never events.

He said that they have taken “swift action” to tackle any problems, and does not believe anyone should be travelling outside the area for safe treatment. He added that there had been no incidents he was aware of affecting children’s services.

“I would take issue with that comment,” he said. “The hospitals are safe. We do have some significant risks we are managing. My number one focus is reducing harm to patients and encouraging staff to report incidents.”


Stephen Eames Mr Eames urged any staff with such concerns to go to him direct or use internal reporting procedures.

He added that although it may sound worrying, the fact that incidents were being reported was a good thing – as it meant problems could be picked up and further incidents prevented. “One of the problems in the past was that we didn’t report much. We are now in the top 25 per cent in the country,” he said.

However, managers have been criticised by unions for their heavy-handed approach after threatening theatre staff with disciplinary action if poor practice was identified.

Mr Eames was asked why staff were coming to the media, rather than using internal reporting methods, if there was a genuine culture of openness and transparency.

But he insisted staff should not fear reprisals.

He said: “I would encourage anyone who has concerns to come forward and tell us. This is about is learning what’s going wrong and putting it right.

“They can feel safe. They will be supported to do that. The zero-tolerance stance isn’t about targeting individuals. It’s about safety. If something is wrong I will address it.”