Stafford Hospital shunned by GPs

GPs are failing to refer patients to Stafford Hospital due to concerns over standards of care, a public meeting was told.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Lynn Hill-Tout said the hospital was not only fighting to repair its reputation with residents, but with doctors as well. "We have not only got to convince our population, we have also got to convince our GPs," she said.

"I have heard stories from people who have told me their GP has said to them, 'oh no, you don't want to go to Stafford'. That is what we are facing."

Mrs Hill-Tout, speaking at the first of two scheduled public meetings this week, revealed Stafford had lost £3.4 million a year in "patient activity". General surgery and maternity services had suffered most from damage caused to the hospital's standing by a series of harmful headlines and the subsequent Francis Inquiry, she said.

"Those areas have suffered most from the impact on our reputation. Also, patients are more mobile now and there's more choice out there," she added.

"Our job is to provide really good quality services to make sure people do go to their local hospital."

The meeting, at Churchfield Primary School in Sandy Lane, Rugeley, last night, had earlier heard the hospital had delivered "real improvements" in patient care in recent months.

"For instance, care of patients with pressure sores, the number of patients falling, and hospital acquired infections – we are doing much better in all these areas," Mrs Hill-Tout said.

"Also there have been real improvements in mortality rates, which Stafford was infamous for."

There were concerns over serious incidents including patients being discharged with cannulas left in their arms.

"We are giving a lot of time and attention to see how we can improve things," Mrs Hill-Tout said.

The meeting – attended by only a handful of members of the public – ended on an upbeat note with governor Mike Fowkes assuring residents Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals would retain acute services.

"I want to reiterate – there is a future for Stafford and a future for Cannock Chase. This trust is looking at increasing services for both hospitals," he said.

By Mark Mudie