PRESS RELEASE
Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch County, took the opportunity in the House of Commons today (Tuesday) to question Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, about staff recruitment and retention at the Alexandra Hospital.
During a regular session of Health Oral Questions in the House, the new Member for Redditch continued with her promise to press the case of the Alexandra Hospital, by asking what actions the Department of Health was taking to help Trusts such as the Worcestershire Acute (WAHT) – that is in Special Measures – as they faced particular pressures recruiting and retaining staff.
Jeremy Hunt replied that he was very aware of the issues faced by WAHT as he had visited himself during the recent difficult winter period.
He added: “They have now got a new CEO and new leadership team who have made a very promising start.
“Through experience though – it is almost never about the commitment of staff – it is about getting the right leadership team in place and I can assure her that I did see outstanding commitment from the staff at the Trust.”
Rachel said afterwards: “I promised to keep pressing the case of the Alex and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to face the Secretary of State directly over these staffing issues. The Trust has recently released a promotional recruitment video which I understand is already having a positive effect.”
Rachel is meeting with Jeremy Hunt in a private meeting with other Worcestershire MPs in London later this afternoon.
