Watchdogs considered Stafford Hospital closure move

NHS watchdogs considered shutting down Stafford Hospital in the wake of the scandal of poor care — but backed away from the idea because of the impact on the wider NHS.

The public inquiry into failures at the hospital heard yesterday how the Care Quality Commission did consider de-registering the Mid Staffordshire Trust in 2009 which would effectively stop it from providing services.

Amanda Sherlock, director of operations, at the CQC, told the inquiry the watchdog did consider the action but she added: "In terms of the population of Stafford, it would have been very significant consequences, both in terms of public confidence and ongoing confidence in the trust, but also ensuring that other services around North Staffordshire and other trusts, would be able to absorb patient activity."