REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has met with Worcestershire colleagues government health minister Ed Argar, local doctors and the Acute Trust where its decision not to treat certain trauma cases at the Alex was discussed.
A number of issues were covered at the meeting, as Mrs Maclean followed up on a three page letter sent to Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins demanding an explanation for the changes.
“Despite the letter I sent to the Trust two weeks ago, I still haven’t received answers to my questions, particularly around what trauma patients will now be treated at the Alex given the changes have now been implemented,” she said.
“I put these questions to the Trust’s chief executive during our meeting.
“We need clarity, and I still didn’t get the answers we need, but I have been promised a response.
“I will of course share this information with you.
“To me it remains incomprehensible that this decision was made at this time, especially heading into the winter months when we know the NHS will be put under further pressure.
“It makes sense to everyone that the Alex should be better utilised.
“This change was poorly communicated, key stakeholders weren’t consulted, and I made it clear to the Trust that the anger in Redditch was palpable.”
She added: “I will continue to monitor the situation closely to see what impact these changes have on the already unacceptable ambulance delays we’re seeing at Worcestershire Royal.”
Mrs Maclean also asked the Trust when the business case for the multi-million pound investment at the Alex will be completed and submitted to the Government for approval.
“Spades in the ground and the new theatres being built will send a clear signal to my constituents that their hospital is not going anywhere,” she said.
