A STAFFORD parliamentary hopeful has said she will fight to ensure the services that matter most to the people of the town are not allowed to just slip away.
“What is important now is to make sure that people in Stafford are able to access the medical services that we need,” she said. “I will be taking part in discussions on the future of Mid-Staffs, and will fight to keep the services that matter most to our community in our community.
“We won't just let them slip away.”
Ms Godfrey said this would include accident and emergency services which have been closed between 10pm to 8am since December 1 2011 after health watchdog the Care Quality Commission issued a warning about the safety of the facilities.
“Stafford Labour campaigned to keep a 24 hour Accident and Emergency Department open, and as discussions continue, we will campaign for urgent care to be available in Stafford,” said Ms Godfrey.
She said it was important to recognise the hard work of staff at both Cannock and Stafford hospitals in the improvements recognised at the trust in Monitor’s report.
“Medically speaking, Mid Staffs has become a high functioning trust with consistently low infection and mortality rates,” she said. “Care Quality Commission reviews found no areas of concern in 2012.
“The review recognised that a good standard of care is being delivered to patients.
“What is under question is whether it will be possible to continue delivering this level of services as the additional financial support that Mid-Staffs receives is withdrawn.”
Ms Godfrey added that some of the financial problems faced by Mid Staffs were common to other small trusts but it was important to recognise that other issues that had led to the current circumstances were unique.
