Redditch Doctors Involved In Walkout To Meet NHS Bosses

24 February 2015, 09:30 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Four top doctors in Redditch that have quit their jobs are to meet with hospital bosses.

They say they want to find out why the consultants from the Alexandra in Redditch have left.

An investigation is looking into claims staff were bullied.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust look after the hospital and their Chairman Harry Turner, said: "Over the last couple of weeks there has been much speculation on a number of issues within the Trust.

"I am today (23 February) announcing a number of actions which are being put in place so that my Board colleagues and I can be absolutely confident where measures need to be put in place to address any areas which may be of concern.

"In common with staff, patients and members of the public, we were shocked to hear that five A&E consultants are leaving our team.

"A meeting with those consultants is taking place tomorrow afternoon (24 February) to discuss their reasons for leaving.

"Should there be any themes which give cause for concern these will be addressed by the Board.

"We are working quickly to ensure that services at the Alexandra Hospital remain safe and sustainable as a result of the resignations.

"We have started the process of recruiting to these posts with adverts already placed and discussions taking place with partnering organisations."

On accusations of bullying he added: "We take any allegation of bullying extremely seriously.

"We are instigating an independent investigation which will take an in-depth look at the way all reports of bullying within the organisation are handled and investigated, which will inform any action that needs to be taken as a result.

"The findings will be reported to the Board as soon as possible."

Redditch MP Karen Lumley also spoke of a number of positives after a meeting attended by the health secretary.

She said: "There were many positives to take from the meeting.

"In the short term we got the guarantee we wanted that services at the Alex would be protected.

"Looking longer term, David Flory (Chief Executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority) will be overseeing and setting the terms of reference for an investigation into allegations of bullying within the Trust, a number of which I have received myself."

Campaign groups, including Betrayed By Their Trust, are still not happy and plan to protest about the bullying of staff later today (24 February).