THE performance of a hospital trust branded inadequate by inspectors has been raised in Parliament.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust bosses remain under pressure to resign following a damning report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this year.

CQC inspectors found a “worrying disconnect” between senior managers and frontline staff, allegations of bullying and a leadership described as a “dictatorship”.

Concerns were also raised about the trust’s surgery, maternity and outpatient services. The results of a follow up visit are due to be published this month.

Eastbourne and Hastings borough councils and East Sussex health overview and scrutiny committee have all indicated that a change of leadership at the top is needed.

However chief executive Darren Grayson and chairman Stuart Welling say they still have a job to do and have no intention of standing down.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield raised the issue in Parliament and asked ministers to urgently look into the problems being faced by the trust.

She said: “I was pleased to raise this matter and the minister replying explained the Government was watching the issue closely.

“The NHS should be of a high standard for everyone, irrespective of where they live and I will not stand by and see my constituents disadvantaged.”