Frequenty Asked Questions
Why is there going to be an Inquiry?
As the Secretary of State for Health explained in his Written Ministerial statement, the purpose of the inquiry is to ensure that patients or their families have an opportunity to raise their concerns and can be confident that they have been listened to and that any further lessons not already identified by the investigations that have already taken place are learned.
What will the Inquiry examine?
The Inquiry's terms of reference are
- To investigate any individual case relating to the care provided by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between January 2005 and March 2009 that, in its opinion, causes concern and to the extent that it considers appropriate
- In the light of such investigation, to consider whether any additional lessons are to be learned beyond those identified by the inquiries conducted by the Healthcare Commission, Professor Alberti and Dr Colin-Thome, and, if so;
- To consider what additional action is necessary for the new hospital management to ensure the Trust is delivering a sustainably good service to its local population, and;
- To prepare and deliver to the Secretary of State a report of its findings
In light of such investigation, the Inquiry will consider: whether any additional lessons are to be learned beyond those identified by the inquiries conducted by the Healthcare Commission, Professor Alberti and Dr Colin-Thome; and, if so, what additional action is necessary for the new hospital management to ensure the Trust is delivering a sustainably good service to its local population.
Who asked Robert Francis QC to chair the Inquiry?
The Secretary of State for Health appointed Robert Francis QC as head of the Inquiry
How far will the Inquiry look back?
The Inquiry will investigate the period between January 2005 and March 2009.
Who does the Inquiry intend to speak to?
The intention is to gain as full an understanding as possible of the circumstances that led to the failures that the Healthcare Commission identified in their investigation into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. We want to hear from as wide a range of people as possible, including the patients and families affected, as well as staff who are or were working at the hospital or other NHS bodies at the time as well as other relevant people or organisations.
When will the Inquiry start taking evidence?
Evidence may be submitted to the inquiry from immediate effect.
Where will the Inquiry take place?
The first stage of the Inquiry will be to gather written evidence. This evidence will be used to identify issues and cases for further detailed examination at private hearings to be held in Stafford .
Full details will be made available on this site.
Will the hearings that the Inquiry holds be open to the public?
No, the hearings will be held in private.
Whom will the Inquiry call to give evidence?
The people the Committee invites to give evidence will be those it judges, having considered the material before it, are best placed to supply the information it needs to conduct its task thoroughly. As the Inquiry progresses it will become clear to whom it needs to speak.
Is Mid Staffs NHS Foundation Trust cooperating with the Inquiry?
The Inquiry can ask any organisation including Mid Staffs NHS foundation trust for any document. Mid Staffs NHS foundation trust has assured the Inquiry of its full cooperation.
Will the Independent Clinical Reviews that the PCT is currently conducting be considered as part of the Inquiry?
Yes, the Inquiry will take into account the evidence gathered for the Primary Care Trust's Independent Clinical Reviews, but will not act as a substitute for that process. The Independent Clinical Review will review any case at the request of a patient or relative. The Inquiry may draw on a number of individual cases in its hearings and report but will not make specific comments on every case and will not act as a substitute for the Independent Clinical Review process. Anyone who would like more information on the Clinical Review process should contact South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust.
How can people contribute to the Inquiry?
Anyone who would like to contribute to the Inquiry can write to the Inquiry at the following address:
On the 24th February 2010 Robert Francis published his report into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust; links to the report can be found on the home page. The Inquiry is now closed
Will records of proceedings be available?
No this is a private Inquiry and therefore records of proceedings or evidence will not be made available during the duration of the Inquiry. An update on progress will be published regularly.
Who is funding the Inquiry?
The Inquiry is being funded by the Department of Health.
What difference will the Inquiry make?
The Inquiry will ensure that the views of patients and families are heard and their experiences shared. It will help identify lessons learned to improve and deliver high quality care for all patients in the future.
When will the Inquiry report?
The Inquiry has been asked by the Secretary of State for Health to report to The Trust and to interested parties by the end of 2009.