The Inquiry has been set up to examine the commissioning, supervisory and regulatory organisations in relation to their monitoring role at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between January 2005 and March 2009. The Inquiry will look at why the serious problems at the Trust were not identified and acted on sooner, to identify important lessons to be learnt for the future of patient care. The full remit of the Inquiry is set out in its terms of reference.
Back to topThe Inquiry follows the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005 and the Inquiry Rules 2006. Key tasks are:
- Gathering and reviewing evidence, including the taking of witness statements – this began in July 2010; following the conclusion of the hearings, new evidence is now only accepted on an exceptional basis
- Oral hearings – these began on 8 November 2010 in Stafford and concluded on 1 December 2011
- Writing the final report
In addition, the Inquiry held a series of seven seminars in October and November 2011, to explore the 'forward-looking' part of the Inquiry's terms of reference. The Chairman has also undertaken a number of visits to observe and identify examples of good practice and provide him with some context in relation to NHS healthcare provision.
Back to topThis is a Public Inquiry set up under the Inquiries Act 2005, whereas the first independent inquiry was set up under the NHS Act 2006.
The focus of this Public Inquiry, in accordance with its terms of reference, will be to look at the broader monitoring system in relation to Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. It will not look at individual cases of patient care, or specifically at the internal operation of the Trust as that was the focus of the first inquiry.
Back to topThis Public Inquiry has been set up under the Inquiries Act 2005 and is subject to the requirements of the Act and the Inquiry Rules 2006. The Chairman is required to take such steps as he thinks reasonable to secure public access to the hearings and evidence taken by the Inquiry. He may also compel people to give evidence and has powers to require production of evidence to the Inquiry.
Back to topThe Inquiry has been set up by the Secretary of State for Health, who announced it to Parliament on 9 June 2010. The Secretary of State’s purpose in setting up the Inquiry is set out in his statement to the House of Commons, which can be found on the Department of Health’s website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Speeches/DH_116653
Back to topThe Inquiry was announced on 9 June 2010. The hearings ran from 8 November 2010 to 1 December 2011, and a series of seven seminars was also held in October and November 2011. The Chairman has now adjourned to complete the analysis of the evidence and to write the final report.
Back to topThe Inquiry's hearings were held at Stafford Borough Council's offices, at the Riverside in Stafford.
Back to topAll oral hearings of submissions from interested parties and evidence from witnesses were held in public, unless there was a good reason in a particular instance for sitting in private that outweighed the public interest in the transparency of the proceedings.
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The Inquiry was keen to hold its hearings as close as possible to the people most affected by the events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. At the same time, the Inquiry has an obligation to conduct its proceedings efficiently and proportionately, as well as to do its best to meet the needs of members of the public, interested parties, witnesses and the media, and to have regard to the cost to the public purse.
The facilities at Stafford Borough Council enable the Inquiry to meet these requirements, whilst taking place as close as possible to the people of Stafford.
Back to topThe witnesses called to give evidence in person at the hearings were decided following review of the written evidence submitted. In total, the Inquiry heard from 164 witnesses in person. In addition, 87 witness statements and 39 provisional statements were 'read' into the Inquiry's record. A list of witnesses and copies of the statements are available in the 'hearings' section of this website, along with transcripts of the evidence heard at the Inquiry's hearings.
Yes, this is published on a regular basis on the Inquiry’s website. Please look at the 'schedule' page in the 'hearings' section.
Back to topYes, subject to the capacity constraints of the venue, members of the public and media were very welcome to attend all the public hearings.
Back to topYes, transcripts of the hearings are published on the Inquiry’s website. Please look on the 'transcripts and evidence' page in the 'hearings' section.
Back to topYes, the Inquiry Chairman has the power to compel individuals to provide evidence to the Inquiry. The Inquiry would only expect to use this power as a last resort.
Back to topThe Inquiry Chairman is committed to ensuring the interests of families and patients are fully represented, as with all core participants. He has designated Cure the NHS, Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Patients Association as core participants to assist in this.
Back to topThe budget for the Inquiry is provided by the Department of Health, as the Inquiry’s sponsor Department of State. The total cost of the Inquiry will depend, among other things, on the volume and complexity of the evidence received, the length of time needed to conduct the hearings, and the legal costs which the Inquiry funds. The Inquiry publishes its headline costs regularly on the Inquiry’s website.
Back to topRobert Francis QC was appointed as Chairman to the Inquiry by the Secretary of State for Health. The Chairman must conduct the Inquiry in accordance with the provisions of the Inquiries Act 2005 and the Inquiry Rules 2006, and will deliver his final report to the Secretary of State for Health.
Back to topThe Inquiry team is in regular contact with all those involved with the Inquiry, including patients and families, to ensure that appropriate support is in place. In particular, the Inquiry provides access to a confidential counselling service for witnesses and patient families. This will be available through a free phone number (0800 1116 391 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays). This service is also able to signpost callers to local organisations if they would like to speak to somebody face to face.
Back to topNow the Inquiry has completed its hearings, new evidence is only being accepted on an exceptional basis. If you believe you have evidence which the Inquiry should still consider, please contact the Inquiry team at:
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, Room 204A, Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LH (info@midstaffsinquiry.co.uk; tel 020 7972 5858)
Where possible, the Inquiry team prefer to receive material electronically.
Back to topThe Inquiry is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, but will endeavour to conduct proceedings in an open and transparent manner. As part of this, as much information as possible will be provided on this website.
If you would like to submit a request for information, you can contact the Inquiry by email at: info@midstaffsinquiry.co.uk or through the contact form on the Inquiry’s website; by telephone on 020 7972 5858; or by post at: Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, Room 204A Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LH
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