Robert Francis QC: the man behind the NHS Mid Staffs report

[Northerner]

If some of the array of senior figures and organisations in the NHS are anxious about what the publication of the Mid Staffordshire scandal report might mean for their reputations, that is understandable. The mammoth public inquiry was chaired by Robert Francis QC, right, described by solicitors who hire him as "formidable" and "forensically exceptional". A barrister specialising in the NHS and medical negligence, he is highly skilled at getting to the truth and quietly scathing when he feels censure is due.

This is his second report into Mid Staffordshire. The first, in 2010, examined what he found to be often "shocking" care at Stafford hospital. It pulled no punches. Many patients were "neglected", with calls for help to use the bathroom ignored, food and drink left out of patients' reach, pain relief administered late or not at all, "awful" hygiene, and much more. Some staff showed "a disturbing lack of compassion", while "fear and bullying" dissuaded others from pursuing their concerns. Mid Staffordshire hospital trust's failings were "systemic [and] deep-rooted", and its board took "inadequate" action to deal with problems such as chronic staff shortages, complaints and low morale.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/30/robert-francis-man-behind-nhs-mid-staffs

 

[trophywench]

But the sheer depth and detail of Francis's devastating critique of ultimately catastrophic failings by NHS personnel, politicians and civil servants will make his report and its recommendations for wide-ranging changes hard to ignore.

Does it say that then?

I thought it hadn't been published yet?

 

[Northerner]

But the sheer depth and detail of Francis's devastating critique of ultimately catastrophic failings by NHS personnel, politicians and civil servants will make his report and its recommendations for wide-ranging changes hard to ignore.

Does it say that then?

I thought it hadn't been published yet?

They probably hacked his phone...😱