This week MP for Mid Worcestershire, Nigel Huddleston, asked the Secretary of State for Health what the Government was doing to support Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust given the additional pressures it has whilst in Special Measures.

Mr Huddleston told Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, that the recruitment and retention of staff is particularly difficult for hospital trusts in Special Measures. Worcestershire Royal, Alexandra and Kidderminster hospitals rely heavily on agency staff, putting additional pressures on their finances.

He then asked Mr Hancock what steps the Government was taking to help Worcestershire hospitals with their financial and recruiting pressures.

Having recently visited Worcestershire Royal, Mr Hancock assured the Mid Worcestershire MP that the Government is working closely with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust to provide a direct package of support, and recognises the unique challenges it faces. The Health Secretary then praised all the hardworking staff who work within the Trust.

Mr Huddleston’s recent question to the Health Secretary follows his earlier calls for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust to get its fair share of funding from the long-term NHS funding settlement. Last year, it was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May that the Government would be injecting the NHS with an additional £20.5 billion between 2018/2019 and 2023/2024.