Father's fury with Stafford Hospital

Life saving baby equipment at Stafford Hospital's neo-natal ward - which became faulty - had not been serviced for six years, it has been revealed.

The microwave oxygen machine at the Shugborough Ward was connected to Cannock baby Cody Aldred.

She was admitted to the hospital in January 2009, after being born four months premature.

Her father Andy Aldred, from Wimblebury, will speak to a special board meeting at Stafford Hospital to find out what has been done since the incident to ensure it never happens again.

It comes as hospital bosses this week warned again that the long-term future of the hospital as an independent trust is uncertain.

If Stafford Hospital is still failing to deliver acceptable services it could be taken over by another organisation, with the trust already looking to increase its collaboration with other trusts.

Mr Aldred and partner Jo Talbot were told the tot had only a 30 per cent chance of survival when she was born in December 2008.

But, as well as battling chronic lung disease, she has now pulled through and is on her way to a full recovery.

Mr Aldred, aged 36, said: "Jo spotted there was a problem with the oxygen machine which Cody was attached to.

"When I looked it should have been serviced back in 2003 - it was six years out of date.

"I dread to think what would have happened if Jo hadn't spotted the sign."

Antony Sumara, chief executive of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: "An issue was identified with the servicing dates of some of the equipment at the time when Mr Aldred's daughter was being treated.

"This was addressed immediately and at no time was any patient put at risk.

"Procedures have since been put in place to ensure that this situation cannot arise in future."