The man in charge of Harrogate District Hospital has disputed claims by the new health secretary that the NHS is ‘broken’.
Speaking earlier this month after Labour swept to power, Wes Streeting criticised the precarious state of the country’s health service and said what was being provided to patients was “not good enough”.
Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust, responded to Mr Streeting’s comments in board papers this week and said he disagreed with his assessment — although he admitted there were areas to improve.
Mr Coulter said:
“The new Secretary of State has also described the NHS as ‘broken’ and in need of repair and reform.
Whilst I understand the assessment at a high level, I would rather describe the NHS as having significant areas to improve within a service whose staff deliver great care and support to the population on a regular basis despite some of the constraints within which they work.”
Mr Coulter also offered an update on how different departments at the Lancaster Park Road hospital are performing.
He said time spent by patients within the emergency department compares favourably with other organisations locally and regionally.
However, he said that on some occasions staff are still struggling to deliver the level of care that patients expect.
Mr Coulter said pressures in the maternity unit have led to some patients being sent to different hospitals which he said was a “symptom” of the standards and levels of staffing required in maternity departments.
He also said there has been an improving picture for cancer diagnosis times, with 80% of patients receiving a diagnosis within 28 days.
Mr Coulter added:
“It is important to emphasise internally that HDFT is a strong organisation and could not in any way be described as ‘broken’.
We know that there are areas we absolutely want to improve, but we also need to recognise the care and support delivered every day to thousands of people in many communities, by our hard-working colleagues.”
Meanwhile, the threat of strike action at the hospital by junior doctors could soon be over as the government and the British Medical Association trade union have agreed to an improved pay deal.
It’s worth 22% on average over two years with members set to take a vote on the offer.
Harrogate MP raises concerns over 285 homes planned near Penny Pot Lane
Global Microsoft outage causes disruption to councils and schools in North Yorkshire
The Inn South Stainley wins Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award
North Yorkshire Council cancels planning meetings amid new government rules
New roadworks set to cause disruption on Parliament Street
Loose Women star to take the stage at Harrogate Theatre
Fat Badger Group named Yorkshire's Hospitality Business of the Year
Harrogate MP warns terminally ill people face 'postcode lottery' over £100 energy payment
Christmas toy appeal launches to help families across Harrogate
Sleeping Beauty inspires Christmas displays at Smiths of Harrogate
Harrogate eye clinic marks two years by backing walking football
Prolific shoplifter given two-year ban from Harrogate stores
Kex Gill A59 traffic restrictions expected to be lifted in early December
New independent bookshop opens in Harrogate
Gail's Bakery to open in Harrogate next week
Ridley & Hall opens new Harrogate office
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new Japanese-Brazilian restaurant
Harrogate High students turn recycled bottles into Remembrance poppies
More than 600 pupils attend Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral
Harrogate clinic offers saliva test for suspected endometriosis
