2 December 2005
Local MP, Mike Penning, visited Hemel Hempstead General Hospital today on a goodwill visit to meet with staff and patients. He was shown around by the Chief Executive of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Mr David Law.
Mike was taken to see a wide range of facilities and met with medical and non-medical staff, patients and visitors. His tour included the A&E Department and Observation Ward and the X-Ray Department where he witnessed MRI and CAT scans in operation. He also toured the fracture clinic where he discussed topical issues with the consultant and staff on duty. Mike also met with non-frontline staff, such as receptionists, secretaries and clerks, who are vital to the smooth-running of our hospital.
Mike was particularly interested to meet up with members of staff from the excellent Stroke Unit having met many of them before during a charity rugby match earlier in the year.
Mike left with a high opinion of the hospital and its staff. He said “This has been an informative and interesting visit. I am very impressed by the professionalism and dedication of all the staff at the hospital, especially in light of the enormously difficult period the hospital is going through. The current uncertainty inevitably saps morale and I assure all staff that I will continue to fight for the future of the hospital and its staff.
The people of Hemel Hempstead are justified in their fight to save services at the local hospital and this visit has reinforced my determination to do all I can to support that cause.
The people of Hemel Hempstead never forget that the hospital staff are always there for us, especially at times like Christmas, when the rest of us are able to spend the holiday period with our families.”
Mike was taken to see a wide range of facilities and met with medical and non-medical staff, patients and visitors. His tour included the A&E Department and Observation Ward and the X-Ray Department where he witnessed MRI and CAT scans in operation. He also toured the fracture clinic where he discussed topical issues with the consultant and staff on duty. Mike also met with non-frontline staff, such as receptionists, secretaries and clerks, who are vital to the smooth-running of our hospital.
Mike was particularly interested to meet up with members of staff from the excellent Stroke Unit having met many of them before during a charity rugby match earlier in the year.
Mike left with a high opinion of the hospital and its staff. He said “This has been an informative and interesting visit. I am very impressed by the professionalism and dedication of all the staff at the hospital, especially in light of the enormously difficult period the hospital is going through. The current uncertainty inevitably saps morale and I assure all staff that I will continue to fight for the future of the hospital and its staff.
The people of Hemel Hempstead are justified in their fight to save services at the local hospital and this visit has reinforced my determination to do all I can to support that cause.
The people of Hemel Hempstead never forget that the hospital staff are always there for us, especially at times like Christmas, when the rest of us are able to spend the holiday period with our families.”