LOCAL MP Sir Michael Spicer is demanding answers allegations of poor patient care at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The Gazette has recently published reports and Sir Michael has received several letters from constituents.

He has asked health secretary Patricia Hewitt to investigate whether the complaints represent a general deficiency in patient care.

Sir Michael said he was expecting a response by the start of next week.

"On the face of it, there may be a pattern emerging and if this were the case it would be a serious matter," he said.

"I very much hope that the poor reports represent exceptional cases and that the general standards are found to be high."

If this were not found to be the case, Sir Michael would want ministers to take action.

"This is a new hospital that has cost the taxpayer very large sums of money and ultimately it is the ministers' responsibility."