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.

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

Following the meeting Mr Javid said: "Worcestershire MPs, local leaders and campaigners were able to put a strong case forward for protecting services at the Alex.

"The local NHS Trust has reassured me that A&E services will not be interrupted in any way and a contingency plan is in place.

"I look forward to the outcome of the Clinical Senate review into the proposed reconfiguration - setting out long term solutions.

"I'm determined to make sure the needs of local people are always put first on this crucial matter.”

Mrs Lumley added David Flory will be overseeing and setting the terms of reference for an investigation into allegations of bullying within the trust.

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

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.