Coastal MPs are 'fleshing out' concerns about the under-fire James Paget University Hospital to tell the health secretary exactly where the problems lie.

The three parliamentarians will meet Andrew Lansley to brief him for his ministerial visit to the Gorleston hospital on Thursday.

Mr Lansley will meet senior management following two failed Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections, concerns raised by foundation hospital regulator Monitor and a critical letter from GPs in the region.

Mr Lansley told the EDP last week: 'Sub-standard care in the NHS will not be tolerated.'

And the region's MPs hope he will put pressure on hospital management to improve.

Therese Coffey, Suffolk Coastal MP, said: 'There have been quite a few conversations going on in the last week with concerns being fleshed out because the secretary of state is visiting here.

'We wanted to highlight some of the concerns.

'The hospital's chairman may prove me wrong with a glowing report, and people generally receive good treatment there. But failures in consistency and providing care to the elderly are not something we should brush under the carpet.'

Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth MP, added that he has been in dialogue with Trust chairman John Hemmings and the three MPs will meet with CQC inspectors on Wednesday.

The health secretary's visit is not a reaction to the failings at the JPH, but Mr Lewis said it could not have come at a better time.

'We have been trying to get him here for a while, and it is very opportune that he can put some pressure on and ask some questions,' said Mr Lewis.

Peter Aldous, Waveney MP, added: 'Myself and my colleagues will obviously be speaking to Mr Lansley and briefing him.'

Last week, the hospital issued a statement saying changes and improvements had already been made.

sam.russell@archant.co.uk