Mark Garnier MP brought the complex set of issues facing the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust to national attention yesterday. The MP highlighted the negative Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, that has meant the Trust is now in special measures, the drawn out review process and yesterday’s resignation of the chairman, Harry Turner.
In front of a packed Chamber of MPs Mark Garnier got Ministerial recognition and “determination” to help sort out the situation from Care Quality Minister, Ben Gummer MP. Mr. Garnier asked, “What steps can the Government take to untie the Gordian knot that created that situation and help the Trust to get back onto a stable footing?”
Though leadership was rated inadequate by the CQC report the Wyre Forest MP stated in an interview that Mr. Turner, was a “fantastic and outstanding public servant”. Both MP and Mr. Turner cited need for long-term stability of leadership to help the Trust improve.
Mark Garnier MP said, “I’m sad to see the departure of Harry Turner. He worked extraordinarily hard through an extraordinarily difficult period and made significant improvements across the Trust. His departure is a loss for the Trust and the county. I’m looking forward to meeting the Minister very soon to discuss the situation. There are a lot of questions that need to be dealt with. However, we need to remember that at the core the Trust is performing well: staff have been praised by the CQC and patients time and time again for their attitude and ability. Now we need to sort out the mess to ensure that staff have the best possible conditions to do their jobs in and serve our communities.”