STAFFORD Borough Council’s leader has thrown his weight behind a new group set up to address an independent review into services provided at Stafford Hospital.
Councillor Mike Heenan welcomed Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy’s announcement of a working group addressing the decision by commissioners not to reopen the town’s A&E department overnight and news independent healthcare regulator Monitor was stepping in to solve the cash crisis at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Councillor Heenan said he was determined to ensure the town and surrounding areas was served by a fully-functioning hospital.
“I am very supportive of the group that Mr Lefroy is setting up to engage with Monitor and very keen to be involved in it,” said Councillor Heenan. “Our first concern is for our hospital and our community and I know I speak for all members of the council when I say this.
“We want to ensure we make the best possible case for the full range of services to be returned to Stafford Hospital but with the welfare of patients paramount in any outcome.”
Councillor Heenan and Mr Lefroy will be joined on the working group by the leader of the Labour Group on the borough council, Councillor Jack Kemp.
Councillor Kemp said: “I’m really pleased to be involved in this working group.
“I welcome the fact that it is non-political as we are all singing from the same hymn sheet - that is we want the best for our residents who depend on our hospital services,” he said. “We must work together for the benefit of our community.”
