REDDITCH’S MP has come under attack after posting a series of social media updates following her first visit to the town’s embattled hospital.

Mrs Maclean, elected in June, visited the Alexandra Hospital for the first time last week and posted a series of tweets “trying to break down myths about our Alex”.

Along with a video taken outside the hospital Mrs Maclean posted nine tweets, with pictures of her around the hospital.

The first, to go with the short video, was that the hospital is not closing and never has been.

Cotswold Journal:

She also said: "It’s important that parents know that the A and E will see children and many are brought there by ambulance. They will be assessed and if admittance is needed they will be transferred to the best place to treat them."

However, the now disbanded Save The Alex campaign group were quick to attack the MP over whether children are taken to the Alex or not.

@SaveTheAlex tweeted: "Our MP @redditchrachel is wrong. Ambulances do not take children to the Alex. The Alex does still have the capacity to treat children with minor illnesses and injuries but it is dangerous to mislead the public and suggest that the Alex deals with true emergencies."

The MP replied: "The Alex doesn’t need “saving” so your campaign is mis-named and I ask you cease it to avoid further misleading the public. The Alex isn’t under threat of closure and never has been."

The pressure group, which officially called it a day in January, then again after the June election, and again in July, sent back: "You have zero authority to ask us to cease! We know you're not local but you may want to clarify that video statement as again it's factually incorrect. Maybe comment again when you are better informed."

Cotswold Journal:

The MP's initial reply was posted on Facebook and shared a number of times and attracted a number of comments impugning her character.

Speaking to the Advertiser Mrs Maclean said: “I’m disappointed that there are a small minority of campaigners who are attempting to continue with their misleadingly-named campaign.

"While I have the utmost respect for our dedicated NHS staff who do an incredible job caring for us and our families, the spread of misinformation by a few political opponents does nothing to support their commitment.

"In fact it perpetuates unhelpful untruths and has in the past made it even more difficult to deal with staffing pressures.

“It also spreads confusion and worry in the minds of local people who become unsure where to take their loved ones when they are ill."

She added: "There has been too much uncertainty over our hospital for too long now, and as the new MP here I want to fight for the future of our Alex. We are already seeing more investment, better facilities, more theatres and a better record on cancellation of operations.”

WHERE DO CHILDREN ACTUALLY GO

This newspaper has been to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust for official guidelines about where children are now taken.

A spokesman said: “Where it is safe and appropriate they can be taken to the Alexandra Hospital for treatment. This would apply to children who can be treated and sent home the same day.

"For more seriously ill children, including all those who are assessed as likely to need admission to hospital for treatment, they will be taken straight to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"Where children are brought to the Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department in other circumstances – for example by their parents – they will be treated on site if it is safe and appropriate.

"If not, arrangements are in place with the ambulance service for them to be taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”