Overview

• The UK government has unveiled a new remuneration regime to link NHS senior managers' pay to performance, targeting failing trusts with potential pay cuts and bonuses for improvements.
• Recent analysis revealed that 1,557 NHS senior managers received six-figure salaries in 2023-24, with 17 earning over £300,000 despite poor performance at some trusts.
• Ann James, former CEO of University Hospitals Plymouth, was the highest-paid NHS executive, earning £397,500, while her trust ranked poorly in A&E waiting times.
• Critics argue that high managerial salaries divert funds from frontline care, with over 6.25 million patients waiting for treatment and growing concerns about NHS resource allocation.
• Healthcare leaders warn the new pay system could unfairly penalize managers for factors outside their control, potentially deterring talent from taking on challenging roles.