Anger as figures reveal NHS chiefs' pay

Jul 5 2010 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

HOSPITAL bosses in the North East are earning up to £230,000 a year - 10 times more than nurses.

New figures have been revealed which show 320 NHS leaders from across the country earn even more than the Prime Minister, whose salary stands at £142,500.

The most highly-paid from the region is Sir Len Fenwick, chief executive of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who is said to receive between £225,000 and £230,000 a year.

This makes him the 16th highest paid hospital boss in the country. His wage is also in stark contrast to the starting salary of a registered nurse, which is just over £20,000.

Sir Len is followed by Bill Cunliffe as the second highest paid in the North East, and the 19th highest paid in the UK.

The former medical director for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is said to have earned at least £221,000, which equates to more than £18,000 a month.

Mr Cunliffe retired from his post last year. However, it is understood his replacement, David Beaumont, will be on a similar pay scale, which rises to £231,000.

Jim Mackey, chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, saw his salary rise in 2008/2009 to £186, 325.

Lorraine Lambert at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust earns £147,500, whilst Stephen Eames at County Durham and Darlington Trust earns £177,500.

In addition, Ken Bremner, chief executive of City Hospitals Sunderland Trust, earned £207,500 in 2008/2009 – which was a rise of £35,000 from the previous year.