Stafford Hospital: The key questions behind the administration move
What is a Trust Special Administrator (TSA)?
A TSA is someone who has been given authority to go into a trust, oversee its running, and find a way of providing the services it offers on a sustainable basis.
The TSAs will act as the executive chairman of Mid Staffs and be responsible for maintaining the existing range of services for patients until any alternative plan is agreed by the Secretary of State.
Board executives will also continue in their executive role running the trust.
Why have administrators been appointed?
An expert contingency planning team (CPT) has been working with the trust for six months to examine its future.
The team found the trust, which needs £53 million of cost savings over five years to break even, is financially unsustainable in its current form.
The TSAs will be responsible for consulting on and implementing the best option to ensure sustainable services for the people of Mid Staffordshire.
Will Monitor hold the TSAs to account?
TSAs are independent and free to make recommendations as they consider fit but Monitor says it will challenge the TSAs' recommendations - which must be based on clear clinical evidence - as appropriate throughout the project.
Is the decision a response to the Francis Inquiry?
No. Monitor has been working with the trust since 2009 to help them address their quality governance and financial issues. The CPT was put in place in September when the trust was deemed unable to address its financial problems.
Will patients be able to keep existing appointments?
Yes. Patients should carry on attending the hospital as normal until they are notified otherwise.