Hospital may be hit by 200 legal claims

Stafford hospital bosses could be hit by as many as 200 legal claims for compensation by families, patients and loved ones affected by the poor care at the hospital, it has emerged.

A deadline for claimants to contact Cure the NHS solicitors Leigh Day & Co has been set for the end of March as the firm prepares to make a group claim against the hospital.

The solicitors, who are also fighting for a judicial review to get a public inquiry, say it is representing more than 75 individuals or families but has imposed a deadline of March 31 for new people to get in touch about care issues before February 28.

A hospital report to board members said another 30 claims for compensation are expected within the next few weeks and there are also 115 other claims being brought by other solicitors firms.

Emma Jones, solicitor for Leigh Day & Co, said many families were not concerned with the value of any compensation claims but were more interested in getting an apology and acceptance of liability from the the hospital.

The Express & Star understands the basis for most claims relate to breaching of patients' human rights.

Many claims will also argue patients were victims of clinical negligence.

If the NHS accepts liability in most cases it could see hundreds of thousands of pounds paid out in compensation and possibly more than £1 million.

Families have until March 31 to contact Leigh Day & Co for claims on care provided before February 28. Claims after February 28 can still be made.

Emma Jones, from Leigh Day & Co, said the basis of the human rights breaches amounted to the fact the care provided in some instances was so "degrading and inhumane" that it breached the right to be free from torture.