Wed, 1 Jun 2011

NHS top managers deny pay surpasses guidance

NHS trusts have denied breaching pay rates for senior managers after research claimed they had trebled a maximum increase allowance.

Last month, Incomes Data Services said the basic salary for non-medical CEOs rose by an average 4.5% last year to more than £150,000 – way above a 1.5% Department of Health pay guidance.

But NHS employers said the limit was only mandatory in organisations subject to the department’s senior managers’ pay framework, while all other NHS trusts have the freedom to set their rates.

David Stout, NHS Confederation deputy chief executive, said: ‘Because of the challenging nature of the CEO’s role, NHS boards must consider a range of factors, including pay, to encourage the best candidates into these positions.’