Basildon hospital patients encouraged to give 'frank and honest opinions'

An experienced team of doctors, nurses and patient representatives has announced plans to make its first visit to Basildon University Hospital on 7th May as part of the Keogh Review into mortality rates at 14 hospitals in England.

The Trust welcomes the review, pledging its full support, and urged people with any comments to make about the care given to members of their family to come forward.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced he had asked Professor Sir Bruce Keogh - the Medical Director of NHS England - to review the quality of care and treatment provided by those NHS hospitals that have shown higher than expected mortality ratios over the past two years.

This followed the publication of the Francis Report into Mid-Staffordshire Hospitals.During their "rapid response review" the external team will talk to staff, patients and families, as well as members of the public.

Everyone will be encouraged to provide frank and honest opinions about the quality of care and treatment provided to patients.

The review aims to discover whether there are any "sustained failings" in the quality of care and treatment being provided. It will also examine the Trust's plans to improve the care it delivers to patients. Professor Keogh is expected to report on his findings by the summer.