Sissling Report
Tuesday 19th October 2004 publication date of the NHS Internal Inquirey chaired by David Sissling. My fears that this would not be a fair and impartial report I believe have been well founded. I made it very clear at the outset of the report that only an investigation conducted by individuals not connected with the NHS could have properly investigated the issues I was raising, given that if proven they would be extremely embarrasing to the NHS. Having now seen a full copy of the final report I have written to David Sissling pointing out my concerns to him regarding the investigation.
Despite not being happy with the fact that this was an internal NHS report, the Sissling investigation nevertheless comes to the conclusion, that in terms of the most serious allegation that I made and which I have always contended was the main reason why I was sacked from my job as Finance Director, that John Parkes the Deputy Chief Executive deliberately and improperly altered the cancelled operations data for St George's, has been proven.
In addition the report also confirms that my allegation that Ian Hamilton inappropriately charged the bill for a private party held at the Savoy Hotel to the taxpayer is also proven.
I doubt whether the NHS plans to take any action against any of the individuals involved in these matters, as clearly they prefer to have sacked me the "whistle-blower" who has brought these matters to light. However I have written to Sir James Cochrane calling for the resignation of Mrs Julie Dent the Chief Executive of the South West London Strategic Health Authority the body who commissioned this report, because on the 29th January Mrs Dent wrote to me and said, "Ian Hamilton informed me of the issues that you had raised in relation to waiting list reporting procedures. I discussed with him the action that the Trust had taken and have been kept informed of the Trust's subsequent actions in this regard". Given the findings of the Sissling Report and Mrs Dent's statement that she was fully aware of the actions the Trust was taking it her postion is clearly compromised and she should resign forwith. Although I do not expect judging from past experience that the NHS will act with any honour in this matter.
Similarly I have communicated with Sir Nigel Crisp to ask him to ensure that action is taken against John Parkes in line with his previous published statement that, "A zero tolerance approach is to be introduced for managers who fiddle waiting lists" Again judging by Sir Nigel's previous actions I should not hold my breath in terms of him taking appropriate action.