WORCESTER'S MP said the message must be clear that NHS chiefs are not trying to silence a paramedic turned whistleblower after he was banned from a city hospital for speaking out.

Stuart Gardner spoke out about what he saw as unsafe standards of care at Worcestershire Royal Hospital's A&E department and was told by bosses at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust that he was unwelcome at county hospitals until an apology was received.

The union rep said there had been 18 patients on trolleys in corridors at the Worcester hospital on Friday, January 2 which he claimed was 'unsafe', a claim denied by trust leaders. Comments made by Mr Gardner left some staff 'in tears' said trust chairman Harry Turner. Unison also became involved, condemning the actions of Stewart Messer, the trust's chief operating officer for 'singling out' Mr Gardener for his remarks about the impact of 'excess workload' on standards of care at the hospital.

Mr Walker said: "Whilst I sympathise with the concerns of staff at the trust I do want to ensure that the message is being sent out very clearly that there is no attempt being made to silence whistle blowers and that the trust will continue to address any complaints and concerns that are raised.

"I hope the dispute with Mr Gardner can be resolved as soon as possible because there is understandable public concern at the thought that any paramedic could be banned from attending a hospital.

"I look forward to visiting the hospital before long to meet with A&E staff and do appreciate how hard they have been working through these challenging times. I have heard from a number of constituents who have received exemplary care and have contacted me to let me know about it and I would like to relay their thanks for staff at the hospital."

Stakeholders have been written to about Stuart Gardner's appearance on BBC Midlands Today and BBC Hereford and Worcester on January 7.

Chief executive Penny Venables and trust chairman Harry Turner wrote in a joint statement: "A&E services in Worcestershire, in common with A&E services across the country, have been, and continue to be, under unprecedented pressure. Attendances are up 9 per cent compared to the same time last year, and ambulance attendances are up 14 per cent compared to the same time last year. We, in common with the majority of A&E departments nationwide, have a fully staffed corridor in both of our A&E departments to cater for some of this extra demand. Whilst we, and colleagues across the health and social care economy, do not believe that this is the ideal situation, a fully staffed corridor means that the care provided to patients is safe.

"Whilst pressures on A&E remain, our main focus remains on providing safe care. Our A&E staff are proud to have a very positive working relationship with the paramedics who visit our sites, and as a trust we work in very close partnership with West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Our view is that it is critical to preserve relationships with the ambulance service – especially at this crucial time - in order to ensure the safety of patients in our care.

It was felt very strongly by our A&E staff, that Mr Gardner’s comments were not helpful at a time when everyone is working tirelessly to provide the best service that they can."