NHS at 60 - paying tribute to Whiston Hospital staff

As part of the celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the NHS, I was recently given a sneak preview of what local NHS patients can expect when the new Whiston Hospital is completed in 2010.

During a tour of the hospital last Thursday, I had a good chat with staff and patients on some of the existing wards, and got a glimpse of the state-of-the-art wards which are due to come on stream in 18 months’ time.

I was really impressed by what I saw. I am so excited about the completion of this massive project so that residents of St. Helens can have access to these world-class facilities.

But our hospitals, however great, would be nothing without those who run them. I want to pay tribute to the NHS staff at Whiston who are so dedicated and who work so hard, day-in, day-out, to serve our community.

We have them to thank for the excellent care that they give, and for enhancing the growing reputation of St. Helens and Knowlsey NHS Teaching Hospital.

In the meantime, I hope you’re looking forward as much as I am to seeing the results of our £338 million investment in St. Helens and Knowlsey NHS Trust.