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Call for talks on probe over hospital deaths in Dudley

Two MPs are calling for talks with NHS bosses over an investigation into high death rates at Dudley's hospital trust.

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Stourbridge MP Margot James said she would be "surprised" if the probe found serious failings at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall Hospital.

But she and Dudley North MP Ian Austin want to meet those leading the inquiry to learn more about their concerns. The Dudley Group is one of 14 trusts nationally being probed in the wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal.

It follows the findings of the Doctor Foster Hospital Guide that the number of patient deaths at the hospital was above expected levels in 2011/12.

The standardised mortality rating – which measures deaths in hospital care – was 111.1 between April 2011 and March 2012 at the Dudley Group, compared to an expected level of 100.

Miss James said: "I welcome the investigation and I think that it is quite right that the Department of Health are using the Dr Foster figures now.

"But I would be surprised if the investigation unearthed anything that was seriously below standards at Russells Hall.

"I will be finding out as much as I can about the investigation."

Mr Austin said he was concerned about the figures but wanted to hear more detail about what is being looked into.

He added: "I'm concerned about these figures and I welcome the inquiry so that we can all see the facts because public confidence in the quality of care is crucial.

"I'm asking to meet this team so I can learn more about their concerns and the inquiry they'll be conducting. I also think it's vital that the views of patients and their families are listened to as part of his process."

Dudley Council leader Councillor David Sparks said he had full confidence in the hospital trust.

He added: "Russells Hall Hospital is tremendously important to Dudley. I would expect it will pass any inspection as a result of this investigation. Its importance to Dudley cannot be overstated."

NHS medical director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, said the decision to examine another 14 trusts, including Dudley, followed the Francis inquiry highlighting failings in Mid-Staffordshire.

The Dudley Group's chief executive Paula Clarke has defended the trust's record, saying current death rates are "within the expected range", but adds that she welcomes the investigation to give "further reassurance" to patients.

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