Police probe over Stafford Hospital tragedy

Senior police officers were today examining details of an alleged cover-up by bosses at Stafford Hospital following the death of a young man.

The parents of John Moore-Robinson, who died in April 2006 after doctors failed to spot he had a ruptured spleen, said they are pleased Staffordshire

Police are taking their concerns seriously.

Frank and Janet Robinson wrote to Chief Constable Mike Cunningham to ask police to investigate.

The hospital's head of legal services, Kate Levy, asked consultant Ivan Phair, to alter a report on the death after he said it was "avoidable" and "negligent".

Mrs Levy, who was also the board secretary, wrote to Mr Phair asking him to remove the critical paragraphs to avoid bad publicity and distress to the family.

The report was never sent to the coroner and the family claim this should be investigated.

John Moore-Robinson died after a mountain bike accident on Cannock Chase.

His father, from Leicestershire, said: "We have received a letter from the police saying our complaint has been passed to Det Chief Supt Joe Costello, head of the force's Protective Services Division.

"He is going to take on board our concerns and he is going to contact us to address the issues we have raised."

The details over the alleged cover-up only emerged during an inquiry into poor care at Stafford Hospital by Robert Francis QC.

Mr Robinson also wants South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh to reopen the inquest into his son's death.

Stafford Hospital has admitted mistakes were made in Mr Moore-Robinson's care and have said the full report by Mr Phair has now been sent to the coroner.

Mrs Levy has been suspended and an investigation into her conduct has been concluded although so far the hospital has released no details about what action has been taken.

By Shaun Lintern