Stafford Hospital suspends 15 nurses

A total of 15 nurses have been suspended for failing to improve standards at Stafford Hospital, it emerged today.

They were suspended by Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust in the last six months. The Nursing and Midwifery Council may act against staff who may have breached professional nursing rules.

The watchdog launched an investigation earlier this year in light of the evidence uncovered by the Francis Inquiry.

A report by the now-disbanded Healthcare Commission published in March 2009 suggested between 400 and 1,200 people may have died as a result of poor care at Stafford Hospital, based on the number of unexpected deaths.

The Francis Inquiry found there was no reliable calculation to determine the actual number of deaths resulting from poor care.

Campaigners welcomed suspensions, but said they believed more than 15 nurses should face action.

Director of Nursing Colin Ovington said: "These figures are further evidence that we are dealing quickly with any examples of poor care or unacceptable behaviour".

Mr Francis's report found 18 of 22 board members who ran the trust in the period under investigation had left. One manager has been disciplined.

Kate Levy, head of legal services, was sacked in June after allegations over information on treatment of 20-year-old John Moore-Robinson, who died after a mountain bike accident in 2006.

She has lodged an appeal.