Five more NHS trusts to face investigation

A further five NHS trusts are to be investigated in the wake of the Francis Report into the Stafford Hospital scandal.

The report, published yesterday (February 6th), highlighted the failings of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS trust that led to the otherwise preventable deaths of around 1,200 patients.

David Cameron announced the additional investigations as he addressed parliament after the publication of the report. Hospitals in Colchester, Tameside, Blackpool, Lancashire and Basildon will now face inspections.

This process will be led by NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh, while the Independent reports Department of Health sources have suggested several other hospitals could also be inspected as part of the "zero-tolerance" of poor care Robert Francis QC called for.

In his report, Mr Francis said: "There was a lack of care, compassion, humanity and leadership. The most basic standards of care were not observed and fundamental rights to dignity were not respected."

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt described the incidents at Stafford Hospital as "the most shocking betrayal of NHS founding values in its history."

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home.