HC Deb 21 December 1999 vol 341 cc510-1W
31. Mr. Michael J. Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the morale of medical staff working at Worcester royal infirmary. [102292]

Mr. Denham

We are aware of the hard work being put in by the front-line staff at Worcester Royal Infirmary, and indeed all hospitals throughout the county, this winter. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those staff and assure them of our continuing and absolute support.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Worcester Royal Infirmary on becoming a Beacon Site for its outpatient work on ophthalmology. 1 am pleased to report that the medical staff at the Worcester Royal Infirmary National Health Service Trust are able to look forward with confidence as their new hospital will be delivered on time by the Government. The promise made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the people of Worcester is now clearly visible and is part of the largest building programme in the history of the NHS, and a cornerstone of the modernisation of health services in Worcestershire.