Hospitals trust's new medical director
Bosses at the trust running troubled Stafford Hospital have announced the appointment of a new medical director to its executive team.
Bosses at the trust running troubled Stafford Hospital have announced the appointment of a new medical director to its executive team.
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs both Stafford and Cannock hospitals, has announced that Manjit Obhrai will fill the role after joining the trust on April 15.
He has considerable experience in the delivery of patient care, medical leadership and education programmes.
Mr Obhrai has been a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at University Hospital of North Staffordshire for 18 years.
During the last four years he has also been associate medical director and director of post graduate medical education. He will continue to work one day a week at the Shropshire and Staffordshire Foundation School.
Mr Obhrai replaces former medical director, Dr Val Suarez, who decided last year to return to full-time medicine as a pathologist.
Mr Obhrai said: "It is a very challenging time for the trust, but I am still looking forward to my new role.
"There are many hard-working and committed people here who are keen to give our patients the best care possible and I am keen to work with them and develop them as clinical leaders.
"I am passionate about moving the trust forward and improving the service we offer to the people of Staffordshire. I firmly believe the way to achieve this is by working in collaboration with patients, staff and primary care colleagues every step of the way.
"This is an important time for Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust to regain public confidence and live up to the aspiration of delivering the best quality of care for all our patients every time."
Mr Obhrai's appointment comes after the damning report into Stafford Hospital by the Healthcare Commission, which labelled care at the Weston Road hospital as "appalling", with as many as 1,200 patients dying needlessly.
Patients or relatives who want more information can call freephone 08000 407060. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service at South Staffordshire PCT can also be contacted on 01543 465106 or by e-mail toPALS@southstaffspct. nhs.uk.
