HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn says Worcester's new hospital faces a number of challenges to make sure it provides the best care for the county's 550,000 residents.

In an exclusive interview with the Evening News, he says there is only so much he can do to make sure the NHS system in the county works.

Mr Milburn spoke to the Evening News yesterday after officially opening the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, he was given a tour of the new hospital and had a chance to talk to staff, who gave him their views.

The Minister said many brought up the subject of staff shortages, especially problems with recruitment of nurses and radiographers.

Historically, Worcester hospitals have had problems with recruiting and retaining nursing staff, according to the Royal College of Nurses.

But Mr Milburn said there was only so much that the powers-that-be could do to make sure there were enough nurses.

"We still have staff shortages, and we've got to expand training and get nurses who have left the NHS back," he said.

"Getting their pay and conditions of employment right and providing child care are all important.

"The responsibility is with the employers as well, and they have got to be flexible.

"They have got to make sure they offer the right flexible deal so, not only do we get them into the NHS, we keep them there as well.

"Some employers simply haven't got it, and don't appreciate we live in a world where people live very busy lives. Unless they offer flexibility and support they won't get the staff and won't keep them. There is only so much I can do."

Mr Milburn also said that under no circumstances would services be returned to Kidderminster.

He said he could not go back on the advice of expert Professor Ara Darzi, who published a report after looking into the situation.

The Minister added that PFI had been proven a success and was "value for money" for taxpayers.

"I believe it is now time to look to the future as the NHS across Worcestershire is on the up," he said. "I think PFI is here and it is here to stay.