Professor Joe Harrison, CEO of MK Hospital, has today (22/4) received a death threat for allowing ITV to film a coronavirus documentary at the hospital.
Earlier this month, a documentary called On the NHS Frontline was filmed at Milton Keynes Hospital. This meant that Ross Kemp, the presenter, and a small film crew were provided access to the hospital.
Milton Keynes Hospital received criticism for this. People were questioning why they were allowed on-site when there are increased restrictions on visitors for ill patients.
Despite the criticism, Professor Harrison had continued to defend the hospital's decision to allow media access. Last week, he told MKFM: "If ten people change their behaviours on the back of this I think it is worth some of the criticism that we have received."
However, today, he has received a death threat as a result.
"I have never been concerned about giving media access to the hospital I am privileged to lead, because I am proud of my staff & the care we provide," said Professor Harrison in a tweet. "Today I worried. I guess that’s what these threats are designed to do.
"The threat came as a response to media access. I have reported 2 police I welcome debate & will listen to feedback on any issue. Threats like this aren’t debate. They are meant to frighten & control. I do not tolerate abuse & violence against NHS staff & I will call it out."
The news comes after ITV's On The Frontline provided the nation access to Milton Keynes Hospital last Thursday (16/4). Viewers saw first hand how frontline staff have been coping during the coronavirus pandemic, also showing how the virus can affect patients of all ages.
Following the documentary, overall, the hospital had received positive feedback. Many people said it emphasised the importance of following the Government's message to stay at home.
Milton Keynes MP Ben Everitt also supported Milton Keynes Hospital's decision, highlighting how ITV and Ross Kemp reached an "important demographic" who needed to hear the Government's message. He called the news of the death threat "outrageous".
When speaking to MKFM last week, Professor Harrison reassured the community that the hospital would be reviewing people's comments on the documentary. He said: "We are also looking at some of the comments that we have had. And, if there are ways of changing the way that we do things here on the back of the comments that we have received, we will do that.
"We haven't been through a pandemic before, and neither has anybody else. There are things that we can learn from this and do differently."
Police have been made aware of the death threat and are currently investigating.
