Letter to the Stafford Newsletter - 9th March 2013

Dear Editor,

Just a few days before the publication of the Monitor report which highlighted a number of services which should be withdrawn from Stafford Hospital I had to accompany a family member to that hospital's A&E Department.

While constant press reports focus on the poor service this Department has given, and if some people are to believe still gives, I must comment on the wonderful service and dedication shown by all the nursing staff and doctors I met. Nothing was too much trouble, every procedure was explained in full, and all the options discussed before any course of treatment was followed. While we waited for test results to be returned from other departments the medical staff kept enquiring how the patient was and whether anything else was needed. At all times he was treated gently and with great dignity. The A&E department was also tidy and spotless clean.

If the recommendations of the Monitor report are accepted this facility will be lost and residents will be forced to travel to North Staffs, Wolverhampton, or even Burton-on-Trent. Extra time spent by critical ill patients on these journeys will only reduce their chances of survival, while family members will be forced to make long journeys to be reunited with their loved one.

While I accept problems have occurred at SDGH in the past I feel it is important that the good news stories are also heard and that the residents of Stafford now join in the fight to keep these much needed services in the town. A Save Stafford Hospital campaign has been formed and I would urge everyone to get involved. A town the size of Stafford needs a hospital which provides a full range of services and not one which is little more that a cottage hospital.

Finally can I once again thank all the staff at A&E for the wonderful service I witnessed that day!

Yours sincerely
Cllr Barry Stamp
Stafford Borough Council