HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been quizzed by Redditch MP Rachel Maclean today (Tuesday) over staff retention and recruitment.
During a regular session of Health Oral Questions in the House, Mrs Maclean asked what actions the Department of Health was taking to help Trusts such as the Worcestershire Acute (WAHT) as they faced particular pressures recruiting and retaining staff.
Her question follows reports yesterday (Monday) that more nurses are leaving the profession than starting it.
In addition WAHT is reportedly short of some 200 nursing staff across its three hospital sites.
Mr Hunt replied that he was very aware of the issues faced by WAHT as he had visited the Alex himself during the recent difficult winter period.
He added: “They have now got a new chief executive officer 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 (Mrs Maclean) that I did see outstanding commitment from the staff at the Trust.”
Speaking afterwards Mrs Maclean said: “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.”
Maclean was due to meet the Secretary of State with other Worcestershire MPs this afternoon for a private meeting.
