Police inquiry into Stafford Hospital 'will take months'

We are examining whether or not there's any new information which has come to light which could lead to a previous criminal investigation being reopened or to an entirely new investigation.

If we get to this stage, our next step will be to establish if there's any realistic potential for criminal charges and prosecution.

Due to the complex nature of our case-by-case review, at this stage we cannot be clear about timescales but we do anticipate that this will take many months.