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Why have children's A&E services been suspended at Stafford Hospital? Top doctor explains decision

A&E services at Stafford's County Hospital have been suspended for under-18s because senior clinicians have advised that they are not safe.

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University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said it acted on Thursday because of a lack of "professionally trained and experienced staff" at Stafford's County Hospital, which used to be called Stafford Hospital.

The trust said children should not be taken to County Hospital as walk-in patients, adding that those with minor illnesses and injuries should use primary care services such as their GP or community pharmacists.

Dr John Oxtoby, trust acting medical director, said after an external review and discussion with staff, the conclusion was formed that they "cannot mount an entirely safe and adequate service for children's emergency care in the context of the standards that are required in 2016".

Asked why the trust had taken the temporary decision, Dr Oxtoby said: "The reason is we've been judged against a series of standards that are designed to offer the best possible care for the very sickest of children that might appear in the emergency department, and actually the staffing.

"The particular staff, the skills (they) have in the organisation don't now match up to the standards which would be expected of a children's emergency centre today."

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