MP's pledge on hospital inquiry

Stafford's new Conservative MP Jeremy Lefroy has said he will carry out his own unannounced visits to the town's hospital as part of his work as MP.

During his election campaign Mr Lefroy said restoring confidence in the hospital and getting to the bottom of what had gone wrong was vital.

Mr Lefroy told the Express & Star he plans to visit the hospital on a regular basis, sometimes with unannounced visits in order to gain a good view of what is going on.

The day after winning the Stafford seat with a 5,400 majority, Mr Lefroy, visited the hospital to hold a meeting with the deputy chief executive, Manjit Obhrai.

During the meeting they discussed what had been done following the recommendations made by Robert Francis QC and how the hospital could restore public trust in its care.

He was also given a tour of the facilities at the hospital and was able to speak with some staff and patients.

The Conservatives are under pressure from campaigners to honour their promise to call a public inquiry into the hospital.

Mr Lefroy said: "Improving public confidence in Stafford hospital was one of my main priorities during the election and will be as the Member of Parliament for Stafford constituency.

"I wanted to get down to work straight away and visited the hospital on Friday. I discussed with Mr Manjit Obhrai the changes which have been implemented following the recommendations of the Francis Report.

"Mr Obhrai made it clear that I was welcome to come and visit at any time. I will take up this offer and intend to drop in day or night on a regular basis."

Mr Lefroy was elected after Thursday's General Election with a turnout of 71.2 per cent.