Huge pay rises for hospital bosses

Pay rises for high-earning bosses at the Pennine Acute Trust have bucked the national trend.

A report by Incomes Data Services said hospital chief executives pocketed an average increase of 6.9 per cent in 2008-09, while NHS staff, including registered nurses on starting salaries of just over £20,000, got 2.75 per cent.

However, John Saxby, chief executive at the trust which runs hospitals in  Rochdale, Bury, North Manchester and Oldham, joined fellow staff with a 2.75 per cent increase, taking his wage to £185,000.

During the last financial year, he received a zero wage increase.

Medical director Ruth Jameson was given a 3 per cent rise in 2008-09, taking her wage to £170,000.

Director of human resources Roger Pickering also received a 3 per cent increase, taking his wage to £145,000.

A spokesman for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said the trust was one of the biggest in the country and Mr Saxby’s salary reflected the experience, expertise and responsibility that the role demands.

The spokesman added: “In April, 2008, John received a pay increase of 2.75 per cent which was the same as all other NHS staff within the Trust under the NHS pay system known as Agenda for Change.

“For 2009/10 he received a zero increase.

“The salaries of our executive directors are published every year in our annual report and accounts which is publicly available via our website.”

Steve Flanagan, regional director of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “At a time when the NHS is expected to make significant savings, the pay that staff take home must be seen to be fair.”