Police to consider new Mid Staffs evidence.

Matthew Ellis, Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire challenged police last week as to why no action was been taken to investigate any of the deaths at Mid Staffordshire Hospitals. The police had previously said  that the law as it stands would not support a conviction. Mr Ellis has now disclosed that detectives would be reviewing “information not in the public domain".

Staffordshire police have announced it will begin reviewing the information found in the Francis report “in order to identify whether there is any potential for criminal charges.”

There has been increasing political pressure for police action over the possible 1,200 deaths. Recently the former health advisor of David Cameron weighed into the debate saying it was “astonishing” that none of the managers overseeing the hospital during the scandal have been held accountable.  

Sean Worth, a former Downing Street adviser, stated that “If specific allegations are brought forward of wilful neglect on the ward floor, especially any amounting to manslaughter, there should absolutely be a police inquiry. Anything less would let down the victims”.

Nick Baker, Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, who will be leading the review said“This is a very substantial report which we will link into what is already known by previous police investigations, to see if there are any additional investigative inquiries that are required”

Matthew Ellis, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire said “This will need to be a thorough, carefully considered process and will inevitably take some time”.  

He added “This is a serious exercise led by a very determined and talented senior investigator, not just a paper based review…I want people who are responsible for this to be held responsible”

The review has no fixed deadlines however officers will brief Mr Ellis and the Staffordshire Police Chief Constable in two weeks time and report their progress.

Julie Bailey, a campaigner of Cure the NHS stated that if the investigation aims to be truly credible, the police and prosecutors must consider those who worked at the Strategic Health Authority that oversaw Staffordshire Hospital. She said “They knew what was going on, they are the ones who put pressure on the hospital to reduce staffing levels.”