HEALTH bosses have announced an independent investigation into allegations of bullying at the Alexandra Hospital.

The move follows claims from staff including former sister Mandy Bridgman that nurses were shouted at and reduced to tears by their seniors.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alex, commissioned the investigation at all the county’s hospitals.

Earlier this week a meeting was held with the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt and David Flory, the chief executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority, to establish the future of the Alex after speculation on a number of issues, bullying being one.

Another was the shock resignation of the entire A&E consultant team at the Alex, who resigned en masse on Friday, February 13.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley attended the meeting alongside Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, Alcester MP Nadhim Zahawi and representatives from three councils, as well as Save the Alex Campaign members.

Following the meeting, Mrs Lumley stressed that services at the Alex would be protected in the short term, and an investigation into bullying launched.

She said: “Our cross-party group put forward a strong case, and they both clearly acknowledged that something needed to be done.

“Looking longer term, David Flory will be overseeing and setting the terms of reference for an investigation into allegations of bullying within the trust, a number of which I have received myself.

The clinical senate review, which is considering the reconfiguration of Worcestershire’s hospitals, is expected to report back on Friday, February 27.

Mrs Lumley said: “When David Flory has seen the clinical senate review I expect him to act quickly on what is found.

“I will be in contact with both him and the Secretary of State over the coming days to seek further assurances that our hospital is sustainable, that we get the best outcome for staff and patients at the Alex, and ultimately the best outcome for Redditch.”

Supporters from the Save The Alex Campaign welcomed the investigation into accusations of bullying but expressed concerns over deep clinical and financial issues plaguing the trust which they said need to be addressed urgently.

Neal Stote, from the pressure group, said he was still “very disappointed.”

The trust recently announced a serious of actions, as well as the independent investigation.

This included interviews with the consultants who resigned to discuss their reasons for leaving.

Trust chairman Harry Turner said: “Over the last couple of weeks there has been much speculation on a number of issues within the trust.

“I am announcing a number of actions which are being put in place so that my board colleagues and I can be absolutely confident where measures need to be put in place to address any areas which may be of concern.

“We are instigating an independent investigation which will take an in-depth look at the way all reports of bullying within the organisation are handled and investigated, which will inform any action that needs to be taken as a result.

“The findings will be reported to the board as soon as possible.”

He stressed that it was business as usual for the trust as it will continue to deliver safe patient care.