Hospital review appeals going up
More relatives and patients treated at Stafford Hospital have asked for their case notes to be reviewed.
The number of families asking for an investigation of their treatment at the hospital under a review announced by former Health Secretary Alan Johnson has increased from 119 in June to 173.
The probe into individual cases was announced following the damning report into standards of care at the hospital back in March.
Manjit Obhrai, medical director of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The case note reviews are being conducted independently of the trust, but to give further assurance to the public that the reviews are completely independent it has been agreed that South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust will take over the process."
Cure the NHS founder Julie Bailey said many were put off going in for an independent case-note review because they had negative experiences of the hospital's complaints procedure in the past.
She said: "We're encouraging everyone to put forward for an independent case review because it gives the scale of the problems at the hospital. If people do not put in for one then we won't be seen as a huge group."
Health Minister Andy Burnham announced last week a further independent inquiry would be conducted into the hospital taking evidence from patients and staff.
Stafford Borough Council leader Mike Heenan has added his voice to those calling for a full public inquiry. He said today: "Across the political
spectrum of the council there is strong support for a full public inquiry."
Ring 08000 40 70 60 or 01543 465106 for an independent case notes review.
