Previous Investigation Revealed Failings

The public inquiry into the standards of care provided by Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust must provide strong answers as to why neglect occurred, a lawyer has demanded.

Lisa Jordan, a Partner specialising in medical negligence claims for Irwin Mitchell, said the latest inquiry must build on the previous independent inquiry, which highlighted systemic failings due to a focus on both government targets and cost-cutting.

According to estimates, hundreds more people died than expected between 2005 and 2008.

Discussing the new inquiry, which will be held at Stafford Borough Council, Lisa Jordan said: “It is good news that this investigation has finally come around and the families of those failed by the health authority will have a chance to gain further answers into why their loved ones were not properly cared for.

“We have heard so many of the stories which have emerged from the failures by this trust in our offices.  It is vital that everything possible is done to prevent further mistakes of this kind.

“Patient safety cannot be undermined at any point and lessons must be learned from this.”