ANGRY and concerned staff at Basildon Hospital have criticised management, alleging a lack of care for their welfare after a worker was stabbed in the hospital car park yesterday (Monday, 15 July).

The incident happened early in the morning when the woman was assaulted and robbed by a balaclava-clad man.

In the wake of the incident Nub News was contacted by staff, who identified themselves but asked to remain anonymous for fear of management retribution, saying the stabbing and robbery is a culmination of their fears about a lack of security and safety around the hospital.

And the figure of blame has been pointed at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust's CEO, Matthew Hopkins, who was appointed last year.

He is in charge of the region's three hospitals and staff say his priority has been 'putting money before his staff welfare'.

They say cost-cutting measures mean there has been reduced investment in safety and the general well-being of staff. They also say nothing was done to quell staff concern and anxiety in the wake of yesterday's attack.

Nub News was told: "We can't tell you the anger and fear of staff at moment. and for Matthew Hopkins not address us today has now fuelled the flames. He is putting money before his staff welfare. Unison have been all over Matthew for many months now and this attack has finally finished staff.

"He could not even put an email to staff to make us aware or reassure females that extra security rounds around the car park would take place.

"The car park has no cameras, poor lighting and as the nights start drawing in soon many of us are even more vulnerable.

"That poor lady this more was using her car horn for attention and help yet no one came at the moment Matthew Hopkins has got a lot very worried fearful upset and angry female members of staff.

"It seems the CEO has gone quiet. The only thing he cares about is charging staff to park at the moment because the trust is close to being bankrupt.  It's the first trust he's done it at and he is not being held to account."

The concerns of staff follow on from a report published by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board in May saying staff morale within the Trust was very low.

Dr Kathy Bonney, HR Director for the care board, said: "As an organisation we know that staff morale is not where we would want it to be and this is reflected in the results of the last staff survey."

Nub News gave the hospital's trust and Mr Hopkins the chance to comment in the light of staff comments.

The trust statement was: "Managers were informed, and nothing has been kept from staff."

Mr Hopkins said: "We are aware of a serious assault in the car park at Basildon Hospital this morning. Police are investigating the incident and security has been stepped up.

"The safety of staff and patients using our car parks is very important to us, and we will be reviewing what else we can do to keep everyone as safe as possible."