Musgrove Quits !

Controversial NHS chairman, Harold Musgrove, formerly a senior Rover manager, joined the NHS in 1991 as chairman of West Midlands Ambulance Service, before moving to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham to over-see the controversial merger with Solihull Hospital. He became chairman in Worcestershire in 1998, bringing in changes which included closing accident and emergency services at Kidderminster and building the new hospital under the private finance initiative, then leading the radical shake-up of Worcestershire health services, He said his surprise decision to step down early was a result of achieving his goals, announcing his leaving the health service at the end of the year - three months before Worcester's new hospital opens although originally appointed to serve until October 2003. 

His decision was greeted with joy from his most prominent political opponent, Dr. Richard Taylor, Independent MP, who attacked the down-grading of services at Kidderminster Hospital. 

Mr. Musgrove said his only regret was the failure to appoint a medical director of surgery since Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust was created 18 months ago. He dismissed Dr. Taylor, saying..
      "Richard Taylor is a nice old chap but a minor irritant. Kidderminster is only a small part of services in Worcestershire," 

Yesterday Dr. Taylor said he was "staggered" by Mr. Musgrove's departure and welcomed the news. 

      "I have not made any secret of the fact that I have found it difficult, if not impossible, to work with Mr. Musgrove and I am pleased that he has decided to leave. 

      "He was brought in to force through changes and the fact that he is going shows that the plan was flawed and unenforceable from the start.  

      "I can only hope against hope that the sort of personality who takes over will be someone we can work with, who has a different leadership style, not just for Kidderminster but for the whole of Worcestershire," said Dr. Taylor.