The Conservative front-bencher - and MP for Guildford - was invited by Prospective Conservative MP for Winchester Steve Brine to see the state-of-the-art NHS Treatment Centre at the Romsey Road site and hear more about the Trust’s recent ‘excellent’ rating in a national report looking at cleanliness, food, privacy, and dignity.
Accompanied by the Chief Executive of Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare Trust, Martin Wakeley and Fiona McCarthy, Divisional Matron of Surgery & Anaesthetics, Mrs Milton met members of staff at the centre, heard about ambitious plans to further reduce in-patient time for many routine procedures and was shown the new immediate patient ‘Tracker’ system which is helping the hospital to better respond to patient feedback.
The MP, who is a former nurse and mother of four children, was also keen to hear about the Trust’s hygiene procedures which have kept MRSA infection rates at the RHCH among the lowest of hospital acquired bloodstream infections anywhere in the country.
Steve Brine said; “If the Conservatives do form the next Government, Anne Milton will no doubt be a key figure at the Department of Health. Like many people locally I am hugely proud of Winchester’s hospital and I am keen to see as many members of the Shadow Health team as possible come here to learn from the Winchester example.
"The long-term future of the Royal Hampshire County Hospital remains my number one priority, and while I know there are many things it can do better, we have a good news story in Winchester and I am keen to see we take that forward for the benefit of local people who rely on the RHCH for good quality healthcare in the heart of the city.”
Pictured; Fiona McCarthy, Martin Wakeley, Steve Brine and Anne Milton at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital last week