The recent resignations of accident and emergency doctors from Redditch and Worcester have hit the national news. It is certainly a big deal when 5 of a total staff of 10 A+E doctors leave a trust and as the local MP, it is my first priority to ensure that constituents' safety is not compromised.
The doctors will have to serve out their three month notice period so there will be no immediate effect on local services. I have spoken to the Acute Hospitals Trust and they are already looking to find replacements. But it is clear to me that what has happened is the ongoing review of hospital services, started over three years ago, is taking its toll on staff morale. Anyone who faces uncertainty in their jobs will eventually take it into their own hands to secure a more predictable future.
The review of services came about as a result of budget pressures identified many years ago - indeed around the time of the financial crisis in 2008. Whilst the NHS budget is increasing, the burdens on it are also increasing through an ageing population and greater expectations on the NHS by us all. At the time of the announcement of the review, I was very keen to ensure that we had cross party support for our services here in Wyre Forest. After getting all the elected leaders together, it was decided that a coalition of all parties (including unelected) was the way forward and so the Kidderminster Hospital Alliance was set up. It is still working well today and we will be getting together to ensure services and patient safety are secure after these latest announcements.
It is interesting that this week the British Medical Association - the medical profession's trade union - came out saying that political parties ought to be working together in the interests of the NHS. At the Kidderminster Hospital Alliance, we are doing just that. Indeed, I know that no resident would thank any of us for breaking ranks with the Alliance in the interests of personal political gain at the time of the elections coming up. Having politicians arguing with each other over whose 'save the hospital' campaign is best is not only ugly, it confirms people's views that self-interest comes before residents' safety. That is why I am sure that the KHA is absolutely the best way to ensure that all Wyre Forests interest are served well.