SHADOW Health Minister Dr Liam Fox said it is harsh to criticise Hereford County Hospital for some of its bed shortage problems, during a visit last week.
His comments followed a meeting with Hospital Trust chairman, Cessa Moore, chief executive Jeremy Millar, head of nursing Jan Stevens and the Conservative's Virginia Taylor and Bill Wiggin, MP for Leominster.
"There are quite a few blocked beds in the hospital and it seems very harsh on those running the hospital when they are told to meet targets," he said.
He admitted the way forward is hard when the UK has lost 60,000 beds, but said they would have to be made up again.
He added: "I came here when it was still a building site. I have had a chance to meet intensive care staff and the bed bureau. The position is similar to most other hospitals. There are benefits from new buildings but also frustration because the system is tied up with targets."
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