The NHS in Sussex is facing a major leadership crisis after being placed under enhanced national support following a damning review of its governance and culture. The NHS Sussex integrated care board (ICB), which oversees health services for over 1.7 million people across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, and West Sussex, has been escalated to 'tier 2' oversight by NHS England.
This intervention signifies serious concerns about the board's ability to function effectively and deliver safe, high-quality care to patients. The move to tier 2 means the ICB will now face intensified scrutiny and mandatory support from national officials to address the deep-rooted issues.
What Prompted the Escalation?
The decision follows an external review that exposed troubling deficiencies within the board's leadership. The investigation revealed a culture where staff felt psychologically unsafe to speak up, poor governance practices, and a lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities at the highest level.
These findings point to a breakdown in effective leadership, which could potentially impact strategic decision-making and, ultimately, the quality of patient care across the region.
What Does 'Tier 2' Oversight Mean?
Being placed in tier 2 is a formal recognition that a healthcare system requires mandatory external support to rectify its problems. For NHS Sussex, this entails:
- Developing a rigorous improvement plan with NHS England.
- Receiving direct support and challenge from a national director.
- Undergoing frequent monitoring and reviews to track progress.
This level of intervention is reserved for situations where internal efforts have proven insufficient to tackle significant challenges.
Leadership Response and the Path Forward
In response to the escalation, Adam Doyle, the chief executive of NHS Sussex, acknowledged the findings. He stated the board is fully committed to working with NHS England to build a more robust and inclusive culture and to strengthen its governance frameworks.
The coming months will be critical for the trust's leadership to demonstrate tangible progress and restore confidence in its ability to manage one of the region's most vital public services.
