HOSPITAL bosses in Southampton today backed chief executive Mark Hackett after investigating his controversial past.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust launched an inquiry into Mr Hackett's record after he was criticised for leaving his previous employers in financial crisis.

The investigation found neither trust board members nor Mr Hackett himself knew an independent review was being carried out into the financial situation at Royal Wolverham-pton Hospitals NHS Trust until shortly after his appointment in Southampton last summer.

Today trust bosses said the 41-year-old still had their full support as the man to lead the organisation out of the red.

But he will have a struggle on his hands.

The Daily Echo can reveal latest figures show the trust will be about £14m in debt by the end of March - £2m more than the predicted £12m.

Meanwhile, an action plan to save £15m in this financial year is likely to fall short by an estimated £3m.

Mr Hackett was handed the £145,000-a-year job to turn around cash-strapped Southampton University Hospitals Trust in the summer - despite taking his former trust more than £7m into the red.

Unions in Wolverhampton called for him to be kicked out of the NHS after a damning independent review, which started in September, criticised him for failing to balance the books.

Just before Christmas, Southampton health bosses announced their own investigation into Mr Hackett.

The inquiry panel met on Monday and subsequently issued a statement, backing Mr Hackett in his new post.

Today Richard Keightley, chairman of Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Mr Hackett informed the chairman of the trust board immediately he was aware that an inquiry into the financial situation at Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust was to take place, by which time he had been in post in Southampton for approximately one month. Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust is not alone in the local health community in facing a difficult financial position, pre-dating Mr Hackett's appointment.

"As our chief executive, Mr Hackett will continue to be supported by his board colleagues in addressing this very challenging financial situation and restoring our long-term stability."

Union leaders at the trust, which runs Southampton General, the Royal South Hants and the Princess Anne hospitals, declined to comment on the outcome of the inquiry.

Union spokesman Claire Critchley said members of the unions represented at the three hospitals would be meeting in the near future to discuss its findings.

Meanwhile local MPs today called for Mr Hackett to be allowed to carry on with getting the trust back on track. Southampton Itchen MP John Denham said: "The trust board has looked into the matter and is satisfied.

"We now have to get on with ensuring the record amounts of money that the trust has received each year is put to the best possible use."

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley added: "It is never productive to indulge in breast-beating and witch-hunting. The simple fact is that the trust has a real challenge ahead to turn around its financial situation.

"What is most important at this time is that everybody supports the chief executive in his efforts to improve the financial situation at the hospital."