THE broadcaster Adrian Chiles has sung the praises of staff at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
The Radio 5 Live presenter spent time at the Woodrow Drive hospital after his father was admitted there.
In an article in last week’s national newspaper The Guardian he described how, having visited Britain’s big teaching hospitals, his expectations sank when he arrived at the Alex, given that the ‘building is somewhat unprepossessing’.
‘If I had driven past the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch at any time I would have sniffed at it’, he wrote.
On entering his doubts deepened as ‘there were no oil paintings, busts or statues of eminent physicians and surgeons…..a sure sign of clinical mediocrity’.
However it was then that he discovered what many already know – the caring nature of the staff.
He wrote: ‘Having spent a few long days here, I have come across several people – clinicians, cleaners, whatever – who I would happily chisel statues of with my bare hands, if I only knew how’.
He speaks of the ‘energy and relentless compassion of the nurses’ before adding: ‘I have no idea how the Alexandra rates in terms of facilities, waiting times, outcomes and whatnot, but I do know I wouldn’t have my dad anywhere else’.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Our dedicated staff work exceptionally hard day in, day out to provide the best possible care, and so are always pleased to hear positive feedback and thanks from their patients.
“We’re delighted to hear the positive feedback from Mr Chiles, and wish him and his father well.”
