Backlash as Walsall Manor Hospital chief Richard Kirby moves on
The mother of a 24-year-old man who was failed by Walsall Manor Hospital before dying from a brain haemorrhage has spoken after its chief executive announced he is leaving.
Richard Kirby, chief executive of the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which was rated ‘inadequate’ during the most recent Care Quality Commission report and was put in special measures, will move on in early 2018 to become chief executive at the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Mr Kirby faced calls to resign earlier this year from Tracey Ankrett, whose son Mark died at Walsall Manor Hospital in 2013.
An independent investigation from Verita concluded the hospital was not to blame for her son Mark’s death in 2013.
This comes in spite of several shortcomings in his six-year care being highlighted
Tracey said of Mr Kirby's departure: "He promised me openness and honesty but that isn't what I got.
"You cannot accept that multiple failings in a patients care didn't impact on the outcome for my son.
"He along with Verita promised they would acknowledge in the report my disagreement and they failed to do that.
"I am pleased both he and Amir Khan are going but disappointed he will move on to another position of responsibility of patient care.
"He should clean up his mess and fully admit failings and the consequences."
Mr Kirby's departure has also been welcomed by David Drew, a former clinical director at the Manor who claims he was sacked after raising concerns over standards of care, and later wrote a book describing the trust’s ‘bullying culture’ and the effect of staffing cuts.
He said: "It is unlikely that Richard Kirby, on his way out to another well paid job, will be acknowledging any personal failure as leader.
"There will be the usual back slapping from his board members but the 2016 CQC report describes the reality.
"A poorly led, defensive organisation that cannot reform its bullying culture even at board level.
"There is little sign of remedy to this.
"I have been saddened by his inability to be candid about patient harm.
"These are difficult times for any NHS leader but Walsall patients and staff deserve better than this."
Mr Kirby has worked in the role of chief executive at Walsall Healthcare for six years.
Before that, he worked at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust as director of strategy and chief operating officer.
Meanwhile, his new employers have welcomed him to the position he will start early next year.
Tom Storrow, BCHC chair, said: "We believe that, in Richard, we have secured an excellent appointment, able to pick up the momentum of the organisation and take us forward into the future.
“I am sure that staff, Board and Governors will join me in welcoming him to the Trust and working with him into the next stage of our development.”
Tracy Taylor, outgoing BCHC chief executive, said: “I would like to congratulate Richard on his appointment and wish him all the best for the future. I know that Richard will be well supported by a thoroughly professional and patient-focused team.”
