THE latest revelations about the NHS dominating the headlines are yet more in a depressing catalogue of failings that seem to emerge on a weekly basis.

The debate shall rage, no doubt, over the summer but it is clear there have been some massive failings within the organisation of the NHS.

The catastrophe at Stafford was not, it seems, unique and a number of other NHS Trusts have been identified as having had unusually high mortality rates.

The implication of this is that poor care has led to these deaths and because some of the trusts listed are neighbouring Worcestershire, it is entirely possible that some residents of Wyre Forest have been caught up in the problems.

As a local MP, some residents come to me with their complaints about the NHS and treatment they or their loved ones have received.

Some cases are truly shocking and we will do what we can to investigate but the frequency of these cases is mercifully few. But when I look back at what has happened, and see that the Care Quality Commission has been covering up failings in the past, it is clear that there are problems across the whole of the NHS.

Residents will be relieved to learn that under the new organisation brought in, the local clinical commissioning groups monitor what is happening with regard complaints.

The Wyre Forest CCG has a full-time staff member who looks at the problems that come up for local patients, trying to see if a disturbing pattern is emerging.

By so doing, they are best placed to spot any problems early and tackle them before they turn into a crisis. That is just one of the many reasons that the new arrangements are better than the old.

The previous government’s target and measurement culture with regard to the NHS is certainly part of the problem. They instigated around 1,000 measurements, but none of them for quality of care. Incredible.

A significant amount of the problem lies at the door of politics. The NHS has taken on an almost sacred, religious aura and must not be touched at any cost. The main political parties are scared of doing too much and entire political parties have been created to ‘save the NHS’.

We in Wyre Forest know more about political health campaigning than anywhere else in the UK.

And where are we? Finally coming to realise that the NHS is not a sacred organisation that is above scrutiny, but is in fact a public, taxpayer funded service that needs serious attention.

The issues facing the NHS are complex and extensive and need urgent attention: But it is vital that we tackle them properly and be brave about making sure the NHS meets the needs of the 21st century.

CONTACT YOUR MP

  • Email: mark.garnier.mp@ parliament.uk
  • Telephone: 020 7219 7198 or 01562 746771.
  • Write: 9a Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU, or House of Commons, Westminster, London