The Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham has set up an Independent Inquiry into the appalling standards of care found by the Healthcare Commission at Stafford Hospital from January 2005 to March 2009.

The inquiry, chaired by Robert Francis QC has asked for both oral and written evidence from patients and their relatives and friends, as well as from staff and management at the Hospital about how and why such standards of care were allowed to develop and to continue for so long.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry are:

• To investigate any individual case relating to the care provided by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between 2005 and March 2009 that, in its opinion, causes concern and to the extent that it considers appropriate

• In the light of such investigation, to consider whether any additional lessons are to be learned beyond those identified by the inquiries conducted by the Healthcare Commission, Professor Alberti and Dr Colin-Thome, and, if so;

• To consider what additional action is necessary for the new hospital management to ensure the Trust is delivering a sustainably good service to its local population, and

• To prepare and deliver to the Secretary of State a report of its findings

Although the hearings themselves will be taken in private, the report prepared by Mr Francis QC will be published. 

Leigh Day & Co is currently instructed by over 100 individual patients as well as by the organisation, Cure the NHS and it is currently collecting evidence on their behalf to present to the Inquiry. A copy of our Opening Statement can be found here.

If you are interested in taking up this offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• In addition, Leigh Day is representing most of the families who are giving evidence to the Inquiry in claims involving the Human Rights Act and clinical negligence issues at the hospital. Anyone who considers they may have a claim should speak to one of the team's lawyers.