Harrowing details of poor care of more than 500 patients have been presented to an inquiry into Stafford Hospital.

Details from the first day of the independent inquiry have been made public by chairman Robert Francis QC after a storm of anger following his decision to hear evidence in secret. In opening statements which were yesterday, “shocking” examples of poor care were described, with some cases happening as recently as August this year.

Around 730 people have contacted the inquiry, with 190 praising the hospital and the remaining 540 describing examples of “appalling” care.

The inquiry was also told that of the 3,800 current and former staff, who received a written invitation to take part in the inquiry, 36 responded.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham set up the inquiry following a Healthcare Commission report in March which said between 400 and 1,200 people could have died needlessly because of poor care.

Counsel to the inquiry Keith Morton said: “It is important to recognise that over the period 2005 to 2009 many thousands of people have been cared for and treated at the hospital. Many have been satisfied with the care and treatment they and their loved ones have received.

“Regrettably, many people have not received the standard of care to be expected from a modern-day hospital in Great Britain.”

He said many of the experiences “were at the very least poor and in many cases appalling”. He added: “The gravity of what has been experienced will only be revealed by hearing people’s accounts directly. But to give an indication of the standard of care and treatment received, the inquiry has been told of shocking failures to provide basic care.”

His list of examples included patients left unwashed or on commodes for extended periods and catheter bags left unemptied. The list also included calls for help being unanswered and patients left without food and water.

Mr Morton said the complaints were widespread and not limited to A&E and the emergency assessment unit.