REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has stressed the latest report into the trust running Redditch's Alexandra Hospital is not as bad as it sounds.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust was warned to get its house in order in December 2015 when it was placed in 'special measures'.

But an inspection by the Care Quality Commission in April, the findings of which were published yesterday, suggests little has changed for the better and that patients are still getting 'poor care'.

The trust will continue to be rated 'inadequate' by the independent health and social care regulator.

Mrs Maclean said: “Of course I am very concerned because the safety and treatment of patients is a top priority and clearly Redditch residents deserve better.

“However, I have been spending considerable time and energy working with hospital leadership ensuring they focus on the challenges ahead – and it is important to stress that this latest report refers to visits made four months ago and at that time the current CEO had only been in post for a matter of days.

“Recent investment announcements delivered by the Government will help because it will free up capacity in A&E in Worcester.

“I'm also calling for more and better communications with the public to keep people informed on service changes so they have more confidence in where services are delivered.”

The MP visited the Worcestershire Royal Hospital last week and spent three hours being shown round some of the hospital wards and departments by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chairman Caragh Merrick.

She said she was struck how caring and professional the staff were.

Mrs Maclean added: “I saw this for myself first hand during my visit and the staff deserve to work in a well-managed organisation, so I do urge hospital leadership to address the challenges they have using all the available options, including working with partners from other agencies and trusts where possible.

“I know that this trust is the one the Department of Health has been most concerned about, and I'm personally making sure it stays at the top of the list until all concerns are dealt with.”