Health Secretary visits Milton Keynes Hospital

Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP, visited Milton Keynes Hospital on Tuesday, June 1, to learn more about maternity service improvements.

Mr Lansley spent almost two hours at the hospital speaking to new mothers, midwives and hospital directors.

He was pleased to hear patients praising their quality of care and expressed confidence in the ability of the hospital’s leadership to keep making improvements.

He said: "I want to thank the staff for welcoming me here. I understand that the hospital has been through a difficult time and that measures are being put in place to improve maternal care.”

During his tour of the hospital, the Health Secretary visited the delivery suite and post natal ward. After visiting the hospital, he also visited NHS Milton Keynes to discuss the Coalition’s plans for public health services.

Nursing Director Tony Halton said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has taken the time to come and see us and find out for himself what we are doing to improve maternity services.

“A great deal of work has been going on, which has resulted in all women in established labour receiving one to one midwifery care over the past six weeks. We are confident that will continue.

“We are also working with external advisors to ensure that we meet Monitor and CQC requirements in strengthening our processes and improving staffing numbers over the coming months.”