Monitor launches investigation into Poole Hospital

The investigation is one of the first to take place under Monitor’s provider licence regulatory regime which came into force on April 1st 2013.

Under the old regime Poole was in breach of its terms of authorisation for about 18 months until January 2012. The trust is seeking a merger with neighbouring Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Foundation Trust to shore up its future viability.

Paul Streat, regional director at Monitor, said: “The trust has forecast a financial deficit and we are investigating at an early stage to find out more. Monitor has not yet reached a view as to whether there has been any breach of the licence conditions.

“Patients expect to see their services run well and by investigating at this early stage we can make sure that any issues are addressed quickly and effectively.”