A NEW Alexandra Hospital working group has been launched by Redditch MP Rachel Maclean who hopes to intensify discussions over returning services to the Alex.
The Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Matthew Hopkins, and chairman David Nicholson will meet regularly with Mrs Maclean to discuss all matters relating to the hospital.
Other key stakeholders are expected to be involved in future meetings with the working group whose mantra is ‘what is the art of the possible’.
Health bosses agreed to work in a more ‘positive and constructive way moving forward’ at the group’s first meeting, held last Friday.
“This will be a forum to discuss everything to do with the Alex, a forum to raise issues, and yes, a forum to make the case to return services,” said Mrs Maclean.
“Health bosses are in no doubt that my constituents want women to be able to give birth at the hospital again and that they want children to be treated there too.
“Through this working group we will intensify our discussions on how we can make this a reality.
“If we’re to return services to the Alex, then I must engage with health bosses in a positive and constructive way and this working group is a clear sign of this new approach.
“But it doesn’t mean I won’t continue to hold the trust to account.”
Mrs Maclean added that the future is bright for the Alex, with the Trust’s debt being written off and new technology being introduced.
She says securing the long-awaited Acute Services Review money, totalling £31 million, will be used to fund improvements at the Alex.
Chief Executive Mr Hopkins said: “We are grateful for the continuing interest and support we’ve received from Mrs Maclean.
“We appreciate her input and ongoing support in our discussions with the Government to help secure additional funding for further developments to improve services at the Alexandra Hospital.”
