AN IMPORTANT WEEK FOR THE FUTURE OF

STAFFORD HOSPITAL

Stafford’s MP David Kidney says this week has been a crucial week for all those with an interest in having a good quality hospital in Stafford:

• On Wednesday, Professor George Alberti and Dr. David Colin-Thome met local people to discuss their reviews of the hospital;

• On Thursday Staffordshire’s MPs met the head of all the NHS organisations involved in running the hospital.

David Kidney says there is heightened interest and concern surrounding the hospital and the public must continue to take a close interest: “Given that the hospital trust failed to appoint a new Chief Executive this week and that Cure the NHS has described the hospital as “not fit for purpose” we must obviously be concerned as to what the future holds for our local hospital.

 “At the public meeting on Wednesday and the MPs’ meeting on Thursday, the message from the NHS to the public and its elected representatives is that the hospital is safe, improving and has the potential to be very successful in the future. “But to my mind there remain very urgent matters to address, such as a full-time, settled leadership team for the Trust, more openness to and involvement of the public and patients and, still, getting the staffing levels up.

“The negative news stories doubtless make it more difficult to recruit good quality staff, but to me this seems an absolute priority. Some constituents are describing to me poor experiences at the hospital and some describe good ones, but even the latter sometimes comment on busy staff rushed off their feet. Come on, let’s get behind the staff and get them the resources they need to do their jobs properly.”

 ENDS For further information CONTACT David Kidney on his mobile 07966 378844 or David’s offices on 020 7219 6472 or 01785 224444.