NHS chief issues rallying cry
The "trouble shooter" brought in to manage Stafford Hospital today predicted a "difficult" week ahead.
Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star, Eric Morton said staff would need lots of support after the Healthcare Commission report comes out on Wednesday.
He said there would need to be a time of "healing" after the results of the watchdog's investigation are revealed but insisted the outlook for the troubled facility is positive one.
He said: "Next week will be a difficult week – you know that and I know that.
But it's important we support the staff and through it and have a time for healing."
Mr Morton also said he "applauded" campaign group Cure the NHS.
Despite recent friction between Cure the NHS and Stafford Hospital employees, Mr Morton said the Stafford-based campaigners had raised "legitimate issues" and pledged to meet with them after the release of the Healthcare Commission report.
He said: "I'm acutely aware of Cure the NHS, I've seen what they've been doing, they've raised legitimate issues and I applaud that. We all want the same things at the end of the day."
Mr Morton has been brought in as interim chief executive at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which manages both Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals.
The 57-year-old, with a background in accountancy, has been drafted in from his permanent role at as chief executive of a Derbyshire trust.
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust chief executive, Martin Yeates resigned on Tuesday.
Trust chairman Toni Brisby left on the same day and staff at Stafford and Cannock hospitals are bracing themselves for the release of what is expected to be damning Healthcare Commission report into apparently high death rates.
