Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, this week spoke in the House of Commons chamber to recognise the efforts made by local East Sussex NHS staff in delivering improvements to local hospitals.

Responding to praise from local MP, Huw Merriman, Mr Hunt stated that he joined Mr Merriman in 'thanking the staff' for the 'hard work, dedication and care' which has seen East Sussex Heathcare NHS Trust improve on its inspection ratings at local hospitals in Bexhill, Hastings and Eastbourne. Mr Hunt went on to say that 'It is really important that we praise NHS staff when they do remarkable things. There is a lot of pressure everywhere in the NHS, and praising NHS staff is not being self-congratulatory; it is recognising when a good job is being done.'

Speaking after Health Questions, Mr Merriman said 'I was delighted to join Jeremy Hunt in using the House of Commons chamber to champion and praise the role which our local NHS team are delivering from us locally. When the trust was put in to special measures, Amber Rudd and I talked of the need for the community to all rally round. Now it has shown great improvements, it is important that everyone, nationally and locally, says 'thank you' and encourages the team to continue with its progress. I mentioned the challenges which the NHS faces but we will only overcome these if we take the time to value the staff who are dealing with them.'