MP Michael Fabricant welcomes inquiry into Stafford Hospital scandal

Jun 14 2010 by Matt Lloyd, Birmingham Mail

A FULL public inquiry into shamed a shamed Midlands hospital has been welcomed by a local MP.

Michael Fabricant (cons Lichfield) said the statement made by Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, on Wednesday would protect NHS whistle-blowers.

“A few years ago a senior consultant and a nurse came to see me and showed me photographs of a hospital in the Midlands with filth and holes in the walls, even in operating theatres,” Mr Fabricant said.

“But they were terrified they might lose their jobs and would not leave the evidence with me.

“I am delighted that Andrew Lansley will be instituting a full independent and public inquiry into the workings of Stafford Hospital with full powers to summons and protect witnesses and make recommendations they feel need to be made.

“This was opposed by the previous government and many local people viewed it as a cover up.”