Failing hospital 'caused deaths'

According to the NHS Watchdog, Stafford Hospital's "appalling" emergency care resulted in patients dying needlessly with about 400 more people having died there between 2005 and 2008 than would be normally expected.

The investigation into the hospital began in May 2008 after complaints from residents were backed up by statistics showing a high death rate. It was found that a complete failure of management to address serious problems and monitor performance led to a totally unacceptable failure to treat emergency patients safely and with dignity.

The Healthcare Commission said there were deficiencies at "virtually every stage" of emergency care and that managers pursued targets to the detriment of patient care.

One of the worst examples of care cited in the watchdog's report was the use of receptionists to carry out initial checks on patients.

Despite the trust stating chief executive Martin Yeates had resigned earlier this month, it has now been revealed he is suspended on full pay while an independent inquiry takes place. Chairman Toni Brisby resigned earlier this month and has not received further remuneration, the trust said.

A full review of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, will now be carried out, focusing on the years 2002 to 2007 as well as an independent review of the trust's emergency care.

The health secretary said: "New leadership of the trust will respond to every request from relatives and carry out an independent review of their case notes. This will be an essential step to put relatives' minds at rest and to close this regrettable chapter in the hospital's past."

Stephen Underwood a lawyer at Boyes Turner in Reading who specialises in medical negligence compensation claims said: “Every month we receive a number of calls from people who have suffered an injury because of substandard care in Accident & Emergency departments. The consequences that we see can range from mere inconvenience to serious medical complications or premature death. We receive calls from patients and their families from across the country which suggests that the serious problems that have recently been highlighted at Stafford Hospital are not just restricted to that particular Trust.

The Accident & Emergency section of our website highlights several of our recent cases where our clients experienced substandard emergency care."

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.

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