NHS faces threat to its future, hospital boss says

Nick Hulme CBE is the chief executive of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich Hospital and Colchester Hospital

The chief executive of two hospitals has expressed his fears for the future of the NHS under the current political climate, as he prepares to retire.

Nick Hulme is the boss at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which includes Ipswich and Colchester hospitals.

Mr Hulme said: "We are facing, I think, the most difficult time in health and care. I think there's an existential threat to the future of the NHS. I genuinely believe that. And I've never said that before."

He made the comments as he addressed other leading health officials at his last Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (SNEE ICB) meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Hulme has been the boss at Ipswich Hospital for the last 13 years

Mr Hulme announced he was retiring in December after a career spanning 46 years in the NHS.

The SNEE ICB meeting was his last before he steps down and he was praised by senior health bosses for his contributions to health services in Suffolk and Essex. He responded by airing his concerns about the future of the the NHS.

He said: "I think if we look at the political powers and the shift of political thinking towards extremes of individuals and parties that don't believe in the NHS. We need to be very, very careful that we, as the NHS, don't give them ammunition."

Mr Hulme, who is also responsible for Colchester Hospital, told a meeting of health bosses he believes that "having a state run monopoly as a health provider carries with it a risk"

The 65-year-old went on to add: "One thing I believe is the greatest thing about living in this country is the NHS. But I also believe that having a state run monopoly as a health provider carries with it a risk as well. In terms of affecting good change in the long term."

Mr Hulme took over running Ipswich hospital 13 years ago and then also became the chief executive of Colchester hospital in 2016, before they merged in 2018 to create ESNEFT.