Hospital probe not ruled out
A public inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal has not been ruled out, it was revealed today.
The town's MP David Kidney says Health Secretary Alan Johnson's mind "is still open" to the idea.
His comments come after a cross-party delegation of Staffordshire MPs met Mr Johnson and Health Minister Ben Bradshaw in London yesterday to talk about Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stafford Hospital.
It will also bring hope to members of the campaign group Cure the NHS who are preparing to visit Westminster tomorrow to attend a select committee hearing which will look into the issues surrounding the hospital.
Mr Kidney was joined yesterday by Sir Patrick Cormack, Cannock MP Tony Wright, Stone MP Bill Cash, Charlotte Atkins, Janet Dean and Tamworth MP Brian Jenkins.
Mr Kidney said he underlined the importance of having an independent public inquiry after the problems that were unearthed at the trust by the Healthcare Commission report published in March.
The report highlighted "appalling" standards of care over a three-year period and suggested hundreds of patients may have died needlessly.
Mr Kidney said: "I stressed that this issue will not go away and that ministers need to give thought to what form an inquiry will take.
"Alan Johnson responded that his mind was still open and he promised to give further thought to our arguments."
The delegation also sought assurances that the improvements needed at the hospital would take place.
Mr Kidney added: "In particular, there has to be adequate staffing levels, sufficient medical equipment and an open and learning culture across the organisation. We all want the hospitals to focus on good-quality care for all patients and for this to be put before financial considerations."