Councillors snubbed by minister on Stafford Hospital A&E closure

A plea by Cannock councillors for an audience with Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to discuss the overnight closure of Stafford Hospital's A&E department has been snubbed by the minister, it was revealed today.

Council leader George Adamson said he was "staggered" after receiving a letter – penned by junior minister Simon Burns – refusing the request.

The reply claims it would be "inappropriate" for Mr Lansley, who ordered a public inquiry into problems at Stafford, to "interfere".

Bosses closed A&E between 10pm and 8am from December 1 amid staffing shortages. Chief executive Lynn Hill-Tout said the hospital could not guarantee patient safety on the unit between those hours.

She is hoping to re-open the department in mid-May.

Mr Burns's letter states: "I fully understand the council's desire to ensure the best possible health services for Cannock Chase residents and, of course, I understand this closure will be a source of concern for councillors.

"However, decisions such as this need to be taken by the NHS locally and it is not appropriate for ministers to interfere."

He adds: "I am assured the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust's decision for overnight A&E closure was not made lightly. It was based on unequivocal clinical advice following a warning from the Care Quality Commission.

"I am advised the trust continues in its efforts to recruit additional staff. Patients can be assured the trust will not open its A&E department full-time before it is safe to do so."

Labour group leader Mr Adamson blasted the Government's stance today.

"This response is staggering. Mr Lansley himself ordered an inquiry into the running of Stafford Hospital when it suited him to make political capital," he said.