Huddersfield health bosses' inflation-busting pay hikes - figures here

Jun 23 2010 by Kevin Core, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A CALL was made today for hospital directors to show pay restraint.

It came from a former hospital consultant, concerned at big pay rises for directors when front-line health workers count the cost of a budget pay freeze.

Dr Robert Heys, a former gynaecologist and patients’ group leader, is calling for an end to the hikes that have seen some Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust board members’ salaries rise as much as 26% over three years.

Annual figures show the salary of chief executive Diane Whittingham rose from at least £155,000 in 2006/7 to £180,000 in 2008/9 – a 16% increase over three years.

Director of service development, Lesley Hill’s wage rose 26% from £95,000 to £120,000 in the same period.

Finance director Mark Brearley also enjoyed a 22% raise, from £110,000 in 2006/7 to £135,000 in 2008/9.

As rank and file health staff earning over £21,000 prepare for a two-year pay freeze, Dr Heys wants a future commitment from those at the top of the organisation.

The former chairman of Calderdale Patients’ Forum said: “When Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust was granted foundation status one of the principal advantages cited by the management was the greater discretion it gave them in allocating the limited funds available.

“The figures show that discretion has led to a large increase in the remuneration of senior managers.

“These figures don’t even include large pension payments and the pay rises are not even exceptional among NHS managers. They are surely unjustified.

“At this time of national financial crisis they should in future be frozen or preferably reduced with the savings directed to front line services.”

Further to her pay increase, the chief executive also enjoys a lump sum at age 60 related to accrued pension of £225,000 in 2008/9.

On the trust’s website she cites her passions as travelling and ocean yacht racing.