A PENSIONER has praised staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for their hard work in difficult conditions but said local MPs must push the government for further funding.

Stephen Tallett had surgery on a broken left fibula last week, spending 24 hours in the hospital’s post-op recovery room due to a lack of beds on the trauma ward.

“The professionalism, good humour, and resilience of the staff at this desperately overstretched hospital are truly amazing,” he said.

“At no time did I hear any member of staff complain about the unfolding crisis.

“They just concentrated on establishing workarounds and ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable patients.”

Mr Tallett, of Battenhall, said by Friday (December 7) morning the recovery room had been turned into a makeshift ward of six patients.

“I am grateful for the care I have received from A&E, fracture clinic, surgical, and recovery teams,” he added.

With estimated shortfalls of more than 40 beds expected at the hospital this winter adding to pre-existing difficulties – Mr Tallett believes the likes of Worcester MP Robin Walker must push the government for further funding.

“What the hospital really needs is proper funding, which can only come from central government,” he said.

“Our local Conservative MPs need to be reminded of this at every opportunity. Tell them to reverse tax cuts for the most well off in our society in the last eight years and use the money to properly fund our valuable public services,” he added.

Earlier this month, we reported Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust bosses’ fears that WRH would not be able to cope with the busy winter period due to the bed shortage.

Some patients with hip fractures and other illnesses – such as those not believed to be strokes or cardiac problems – may therefore be transferred to The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch this winter to help cope with bed shortages.

A Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust spokesperson thanked Mr Tallett for his praise of WRH staff. “We would like to thank Mr Tallett for his comments,” he said.

“All staff across our hospitals work exceptionally hard day in, day out to provide the best possible care to all our patients. We’re grateful for this feedback and will share his comments with our staff.”

Mr Walker was unavailable for comment.