Thursday, 27 August 2009

ministers appalling

Minister sees hospital protesters

Stafford Hospital
The hospital was criticised for "appalling" emergency care

Campaigners who want a public inquiry into Stafford Hospital have met health secretary Andy Burnham.

The Cure The NHS group presented hundreds of patient case notes to Mr Burnham when they visited Whitehall.

Stafford Hospital was severely criticised by the Healthcare Commission watchdog in a report in March.

It said "appalling" emergency care resulted in patients dying needlessly. The government has rejected calls for a public inquiry, however.

Former health secretary Alan Johnson said there was no need because the Healthcare Commission report had been comprehensive.

Campaigners now hope his successor Mr Burnham can be convinced to hold an inquiry.

Julie Bailey, from Cure The NHS, said: "I am really hoping and confident that he will understand why we have been campaigning for so long and so hard and determined for a public inquiry."

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