Shadow Health Secretary urges Government to learn from the Francis Inquiry

Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham has spoken out about the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust scandal ahead of today’s official Government response to the Francis Inquiry.

The Labour MP believes “necessary lessons” need to be learned from the recommendations made by Robert Francis QC following his investigation into appalling neglect of patients at Stafford Hospital between 2005 and 2009 and is urging the Government to take them on board.

Mr Francis concluded the Trust lost sight of its fundamental responsibility to provide safe care after becoming preoccupied with cost cuts, targets and processes.

The inquiry revealed many patients were left lying in soiled sheeting after their calls for help to use the bathroom were ignored. Many were also left unwashed, some for up to a month.

Mr Burnham said: “What happened at Stafford Hospital was a betrayal of everything the NHS should stand for. Robert Francis’ recommendations will help it learn the necessary lessons and we urge the Government to accept them.

“Two of the most crucial recommendations are on the duty of candour and safe staffing on the wards. We are concerned there is evidence that things are moving in the wrong direction.”

He also raised his concern about the continued cut in nursing jobs across the NHS and said ministers “must listen to the warnings and intervene” to prevent them.

Speaking about how to move forward following the Francis Inquiry, Mr Burnham said: “The Government must also remove the doubts over the future of Stafford Hospital.

“After all they have been through it would not be fair on the people of Stafford if the end result of this process is that they lose their hospital.

“Ministers need to ensure a safe and sustainable people of Stafford.” Yesterday the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) revealed it will play its part in addressing issues raised in the Government’s official response to the inquiry.

President Sarah Pickup said the findings must be “considered not only beyond Mid Staffs in the wider NHS but in relation to all health and social care services delivered in all settings right across the country.”

She said the group “takes leadership” of the social care sector and believes excellent care “must be everyone’s responsibility”.

At the weekend The Telegraph reported a powerful new chief of social care will be appointed to protect the elderly and other vulnerable adults living in care homes.

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat health minister, allegedly told the paper the post will be created with the aim of exposing “unacceptable care where it is found”.