Former London trust chief executive to lead troubled STP

The chief executive of a London acute trust has agreed to head a troubled sustainability and transformation partnership.

HSJ revealed last month Simon Pleydell, former chief executive of the Whittington Health Trust, had been approached to lead Humber, Coast and Vale STP.

Now, local organisations have been informed that Mr Pleydell has joined the STP in a joint letter from NHS Improvement and NHS England’s regional directors for the north.

The letter, seen by HSJ, states Mr Pleydell will work with the STP “to take it through the next phase of its development as we work to establish a way forward for delivering accountable care in Humber, Coast and Vale.”

The STP, which has two of the 14 areas in the capped expenditure process within its geographical footprint, was rated as “needs most improvement” by NHS England in July.

Mr Pleydell was appointed to the role following the decision by Hull Clinical Commissioning Group chief officer Emma Latimer to step down to focus on the CCG, one of just 21 in the country to be rated outstanding.

Although Ms Latimer decided to leave the STP earlier this year and before the NHS England ratings were unveiled, she agreed to remain in the post until a replacement could be found.

The STP, which faces a funding gap of £420m by 2021, has severe challenges in progressing its aims because of the financial restraints placed on north Lincolnshire and York as part of the CEP.

The letter announcing Mr Pleydell’s appointment stated he brought “a wealth of experience in NHS leadership and management” and would play an integral role in progressing the aims of the STP.

While highlighting the ”substantial progress” made by the STP, it also accepted system wide challenges.

“The partnership is also facing a number of significant challenges and longstanding legacy issues that need to be addressed,” it stated.

“It is crucial that all partners continue to work together to achieve the partnership’s shared goals.”