AS the NHS enters a phase of radical change and financial scrutiny, the new chairman of the region's hospital trust has assured the public he is ready for the challenge.

Jim Whittingham was appointed as chairman of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust last month.

The Trust is currently fine-tuning its practices and finances to prepare for the future.

"We're trying to take out costs of about £15-million from a budget of £300-million," said Mr Whittingham. "Spending will remain level, but we have to deal with rising costs.

"That's to do with the effects of NHS inflation – salaries increasing and cost of technology.

"As you get better at fixing people, the cost of technology gets higher."

Although a voluntary redundancy process is underway, he stressed nurses and clinicians continue to be appointed.

"We're maintaining patient care," said Mr Whittingham.

"We're not immune from the cuts and the overall financial position.

"We've had voluntary redundancies and 70 per cent of costs are in salaries.

"I appreciate how difficult this is, and we're still making appointments of clinicians and nurses.

"It's about rebalancing, but it's very difficult for those involved."

Mr Whittingham has taken over at the Trust, which currently employs 600 staff, at a time when the organisation is between chief executives and is preparing for a huge structural shake-up following a government health White Paper.

Mr Whittingham said: "It's a challenge as there's a lot to be done, but we have solid foundations.

"We've recruited two new non-executives who will strengthen the board and we're making progress on the appointment of a new chief executive. We've long-listed some very good candidates. We're hoping to make the appointment in September – I'm confident we will be in a position to do so."

Andrew North stepped down as chief executive after nine years in the top role last month.

Karen Jackson, Trust director of finance and performance, has assumed the role in an acting position until a permanent appointment is made.

"It's business as usual but we need the best we can lay our hands on to take us forward," said Mr Whittingham. "That really is my top short-term priority."

And though it may be a challenging time for the NHS, the Trust's chairman is confident the high quality of care will continue.

"The Trust has a good record and the new chief executive will inherit that," said Mr Whittingham.

"The Trust board believes we should not and cannot compromise our standards."