Administrators move in on crisis-hit Stafford Hospital
Two special administrators were starting work at Stafford Hospital today, the first of 145 critical days which will decide the future of services there.
Clinician Dr Hugo Mascie-Taylor and Alan Bloom of Ernst and Young took over the running of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust at midnight after it became the first such body in the country to be placed in special administration.
They will spend 45 working days drawing up detailed plans for services at Stafford before the proposals are put out to a 30-day consultation. A final report will be drawn up within 15 working days of the conclusion of the consultation.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will then spend 10 to 11 weeks reviewing the recommendations before a final ruling. The whole process will take 145 working days, with Mr Hunt expected to rule in early November.
Health watchdog Monitor has recommended a £70m downgrade of services at Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals, which include withdrawing emergency surgery, intensive care and maternity wards.
What now for Stafford? Hospital administrators given 145 days to save services - See today's Express & Star
