Members of Parliament for Worcestershire have been meeting with Ministers from the Department of Health in light of the announcement that the Care Quality Commission has recommended that special measures for the Worcestershire NHS Trust be extended by three to six months. Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston and other representatives of the county first met Minister Philip Dunne to discuss strategies for improving the Trust’s situation on 29th June, before meeting Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt on 4th July to ensure that Worcestershire was seen as a priority area for the Department. Central to discussions was further lobbying for the acceptance of a bid for £29 million of additional Government investment in Worcestershire’s hospitals.
Following the two meetings, Nigel Huddleston commented, “I am happy that we have been given these opportunities as Worcestershire MPs to convey the need for action in health services in our county and discuss constructive solutions that the Department could pursue. Increased investment through this £29 million bid for Worcestershire’s hospitals must be a priority, but it cannot be the only answer. I hope the Department can build a positive relationship with the Trust’s new management team and ease pressure on our local hospitals by promoting GP services and the 111 line.
As local residents, we must also play our part by continuing to engage with the consultation on the local Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP). I have had some encouraging conversations with Sarah Dugan – Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Chief Executive – about this consultation on the local STP, which is currently with statutory partners but will be returned to the public for discussion later this year. I would encourage anyone who feels that they have something to add to engage with the consultation and make their voice heard. Mrs Dugan also allayed concerns about Evesham Community Hospital, which will now be a centre for specialist stroke services. So whilst it is undeniable that the county is experiencing problems that need to be addressed, there is already some evidence that positive change is taking place.
I will continue to push Worcestershire’s case with Ministers and local NHS managers as we move forward in tackling the issues that the Trust is facing. I am glad that we have been able to coordinate these efforts as local MPs, and am sure that this will continue as we move discussions forward.”