The NHS organisation which last week announced plans to permanently change the way critical care is offered in Barrow has appointed a new chief executive.
Aaron Cummins, currently the CEO of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, will take up the same role at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board in November if national approval is given.
ICB chair Emma Woollett said: “I’m delighted that we are in a position to appoint such a strong and well-respected leader for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB.
“Aaron’s experience, knowledge and his demonstrated commitment to improving access, outcomes, and experience across the communities we serve is exactly what the ICB needs.”
Mr Cummins has a strong background in finance, something which may be of particular value at the ICB which ‘is the single most financially challenged system in the NHS’ and is looking to reduce spending.
In the last financial year the underlying deficit was around £350 million.
The board has openly said its challenge heading into 2025/26 was considerable and would result in it needing to plan service provision and work with partners in a different way.
Mr Cummins said: “I am thrilled to be joining the ICB and to be given the opportunity to help lead the organisation as we bring the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to life.
“I have worked alongside colleagues from the ICB for a number of years now and it is clear to see how committed they are to ensuring the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria receive the best possible care.
“The last year has seen a lot of change and challenge for teams across the ICB but despite that, they have continued to operate in a way that brings the organisation’s values of compassion, integrity, respect and inclusion to life in all they do.
“There is more change ahead and it may feel difficult for some, but I truly believe that by working together and supporting each other, we can make the organisation better than it has ever been – which in turn means we can ensure our communities are getting safe and good quality care, regardless of where they live in Lancashire and South Cumbria.”
Level 3 intensive care was suspended at the hospital in September due to issues with recruiting qualified and experienced staff. It had only three permanent consultants in post against a national guidance requirement of eight.
The three levels of adult intensive care are defined by the intensity of organ support and monitoring required.
Level 1 is for patients at risk of their condition deteriorating, requiring additional support and monitoring on a regular ward.
Level 2, also known as high dependency, provides support for a single failing organ system or post-operative care.
Level 3, the most intensive level, involves support for two or more failing organ systems, including mechanical ventilation
While the temporary change has been in place, patients who require Level 3 critical care were transferred to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, once stabilised.
Patients who needed levels 1 and 2 critical care continued to be treated and cared for at the hospital in Barrow.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, the commissioners of the service, said since the suspension of Level 3 at FGH, there were 30 patients over a six-month period who have been transferred to a different provider, 10 of whom would have been transferred even if there had been a Level 3 unit at FGH due to their clinical needs, and there had been no adverse outcomes.
