An NHS Trust has withdrawn the majority of its staff credit cards after it was reported a former boss had spent tens of thousands of pounds.
The move was instigated after it emerged Phil Morley, the previous chief executive, had reportedly spent £50,000 on his company card.
According to the Hull Daily Mail, this included spending on restaurants, hotels and food shopping at Waitrose.
The newspaper said this covered a stay at the five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel in London and a Michelin starred restaurant in East Yorkshire.
As a result, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has said it has significantly reduced the number of credit cards they use and the remaining few would only be used when it was absolutely necessary.
John Saxby, chief executive at the trust, said: “My understanding is that the Trust has previously used credit cards in a number of departments in order to make it quicker and easier for staff to purchase certain items and goods, including software for tablet computers and educational courses held at external venues.
“In many instances the costs of these items, such as restaurants, were not covered by the Trust or the NHS but by professional bodies such as the Royal College of Physicians, for their members.
“It is not possible for me to comment on why my predecessor paid for certain items with a credit card.
“What I am clear about however is my view that we should not be using credit cards unless it is absolutely necessary and we have already taken steps to significantly reduce the number of cards the Trust holds.
“Furthermore when we are spending public money and using credit cards we must take every step possible to ensure we are getting the best value for money.
“Our processes are far more robust now than they were previously. All chief executive spending is now countersigned by the chairman and chief finance officer.”
Source Article from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nhs-trusts-credit-card-crackdown-132739256.html
NHS trust's credit card crackdown
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