Boss of NHS hospitals group off work after clash

Jonathan Lofthouse took up his role in August 2023

The boss of one of the largest hospital groups in the NHS is off work following a disagreement with another senior figure, according to a source in the organisation.

The BBC understands Jonathan Lofthouse, the chief executive of the NHS Humber Health Partnerships Group, has been put on leave following a clash with chairman Sean Lyons.

A spokesperson for NHS Humber said: "We can confirm that group chief executive Jonathan Lofthouse is not currently at work. Group chief nurse Amanda Stanford will be acting chief executive."

Mr Lofthouse and Mr Lyons have been approached for comment.

The Health Service Journal reported that multiple sources said Mr Lofthouse had been placed on leave following disagreements with Mr Lyons.

NHS Humber Health Partnerships is made up of two trusts, including Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust. It has a budget of £1.4bn and employs 17,000 staff.

Mr Lofthouse took up his role in August 2023 after the two trusts agreed to move towards a group leadership model.

As well as five hospitals – Hull Royal Infirmary, Castle Hill in Cottingham, Diana Princess of Wales in Grimsby, Scunthorpe General and Goole – Mr Lofthouse is responsible for some community services on the south bank of the Humber.

A message to staff, seen by the BBC, confirmed that Mr Lofthouse was "currently not at work" and added that arrangements to cover Ms Stanford's chief nurse role would be made.

Asked about a disagreement between Mr Lofthouse and Mr Lyons, the spokesperson for NHS Humber said: "We have nothing further to add".

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