THE Health Secretary has been in the county to make a visit to Redditch's Alex Hospital, after Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust came under scrutiny following a damning report.

Worcester MP Robin Walker, and Redditch MP Karen Lumley have both welcomed Jeremy Hunt's visit.

It followed a recent meeting between Mr Walker and the Health Secretary where they discussed the recent pressures at Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s emergency department - which came to national prominence after the deaths of two patients waiting for treatment in hospital corridors.

Earlier this year the Care Quality Commission released the findings of an inspection report which has highlighted major failings in care within hospitals managed by the trust, including the Alex Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Among the key findings were that there was a lack of planning regarding capacity and overcrowding, patients have been on trolleys with no space between them leading to confidential conversations being overheard, and that there had been poor adherence to infection prevention including lack of handwashing.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust confirmed the Health Secretary's visit in a statement but said the Secretary of State had been on a "number of private visits that are closed to media, and we aren’t disclosing locations."

Mr Walker said he heard Mr Hunt had been on a short private visit to the Alex Hospital, with the office for Redditch MP Mrs Lumley adding they were also aware of this visit.

Mr Walker said: "I welcome any visit by the Health Secretary - it shows that there is an interest after national coverage.

"I spoke to Mr Hunt recently. The key thing is the investment we require, so we can increase capacity."

A spokesman for Mrs Lumley said: "Karen is aware of it, and welcomes the Heath's Secretary's visit.

"She was unable to attend due to her current health situation and recovery.

"If her health would have been better she would have been there to meet him."