Clarifying my position on trust

In so doing, I would like to clarify the front-page headline which was attributed to me as local MP.

Whereas the headline read “‘Hospital has let us down’ says MP”, it was in fact the trust itself which had used the words ‘let down’.

As the MP, my public input has been aimed at urging our community to rally around the hospital at this difficult time and to support the staff. In my joint statement with Amber Rudd MP, I highlighted the positives in the trust itself acknowledging that it had let down patients as evidence that the trust was committed to recognising the reported shortcomings.

I had not given the same conclusion myself – it was enough for me that the trust and the inspectors had given opinions on performance.

As someone in a position of responsibility, and rather than focusing on the negatives, I endeavour to positively work in partnership with our public institutions and encourage improvements.

This week, I visited Bexhill Hospital and met staff and patients.

Next week, I will do the same at the Conquest.

I am keen to ensure that constituents not only know that I support the hospital and its staff but show the same encouragement as well.

Thank you for making my position clear and my best wishes to you and your readers.

Huw Merriman

MP Bexhill and Battle

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