Public thanked for their support over Stafford Hospital
A senior health boss described as 'truly unbelievable' the support given to stricken Stafford Hospital, which is fighting to keep its acute services.
Maggie Oldham, chief executive of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, thanked staff and campaigners for the commitment and confidence they had shown in the work of the trust.
"It has meant an awful lot to us and we thank you for your continuing trust in us. It is very much appreciated," she told the Annual Members Meeting held at Stafford Hospital.
Suspended board members sat with the public for the first time following the appointment in April of Trust Special Administrators to manage both Stafford and Cannock Hospitals after the trust was deemed financially unviable.
It was given a £20 million government bailout last year and would have needed another £20m cash injection to keep it going this year.
The TSA has since recommended a £70m downgrading of services which would see Stafford Hospital lose its maternity, paediatric and critical care services.
Trust Special Administrator Alan Hudson, of Ernst and Young, was due to have addressed the meeting but could not attend. Instead he was represented by Suzanne Westney, of the TSA.
