PATIENT CLAIMS CHIEF EXEC IS SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME SEARCHING FOR PET

THE DGH and Conquest chief executive has defended the amount of time she is spending searching for her missing dog after a patient complained he had been unable to contact her about a cancelled cardiology appointment.

The patient, who penned a letter to the Herald saying he tried to make contact with Kim Hodgson after his appointment was cancelled twice, said it was 'outrageous' that he had been unable to speak to her after phoning three times.

"I am told that she is too busy to speak with me. This is outrageous. Her dog was stolen a few weeks ago. According to her postings on various lost dog websites the search for her dog 'is a full-time job'.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"She tells us on these websites that she is consulting a 'dog medium'. There are better things to do like concentrating on the threats to lose vital healthcare services for human beings in Eastbourne.

"She has got time to talk to dog mediums but not to a patient like me with angina. Has she been using her hospital mobile phone as well?"

John Lewis, chairman of East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, defended Miss Hodgson and said, "It is unusual and regrettable that the complainant, who has remained anonymous, has not been able to contact the chief executive.

"If they would care to telephone the chief executive's office or the PALS service we will endeavour to respond to their concerns.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I am satisfied that the chief executive has put her full commitment into the Trust. Her usual start is five o'clock in the morning."

Miss Hodgson added, "My working hours are flexible, but long, including night shifts and early starts.

"Trust policy states that staff can use the e-mail system and Internet for personal use, within defined criteria.

"I pay for all personal calls and any stationery which I use and would be happy for this to be subject to audit should there be any doubt."

Related topics: