Title: Concerns Raised as MP Takes Second Job at Troubled NHS Mental Health Trust
Families who have been affected by failures at the Norfolk and Suffolk foundation trust (NSFT) are expressing concerns over their local MP, Dr. Dan Poulter, taking on a second job as a paid clinician at the trust. NSFT has been rated as “inadequate” four times since 2013, and the trust has faced calls for a public inquiry into its repeated failures.
Dr. Poulter, who is the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, began working part-time as a consultant psychiatrist at the trust in February, earning £103 an hour. While he has stated that all appropriate disclosures were made and denied any potential conflict of interest, families who have lost loved ones due to failures at the trust are questioning how he can effectively hold the trust to account while being on its payroll.
Sheila Preston, a public governor at the trust and one of Poulter’s constituents, raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest, especially if complaints arise regarding him or his former partner. Other families, such as the parents of Ellie Woolnough and Chris Edward, who lost their loved ones due to failures at NSFT, are also questioning Dr. Poulter’s ability to represent his constituents without prejudice.
Pallavi Devulapalli, a GP and Green party spokesperson on health, expressed her concerns about a sitting MP being an employee of NSFT, especially at a time when robust challenge and scrutiny are needed within the organization.
Despite the criticisms, Dr. Poulter’s lawyer stated that he has an “unwavering” commitment to holding the trust to account. Dr. Poulter himself has been actively engaging with patients, carers, and staff at the trust to address concerns and raise issues directly with the chief executive.
As the debate continues, the question remains whether Dr. Poulter can effectively balance his roles as an MP and an employee of a troubled NHS mental health trust, while ensuring accountability and transparency in the delivery of patient care.