THE BISHOP of Stafford has expressed his sympathies for the families caught up in the ‘horrific’ disaster at Stafford Hospital in the wake of publication of the Francis Report.
“We must remember that behind the horrific events catalogued in the Francis report lies the experiences of thousands of people in our county (and, it now seems, across the country) who have been affected,” said the Rt Revd Geoff Annas.
“No report or plan or directive can ever bring back loved ones who suffered and died.
“They will forever be remembered by families and friends.”
“Their legacy and memorial must be an NHS that puts patients’ wellbeing before all other considerations,” he said. “There has been enormous soul-searching among staff at Stafford Hospital.”
The Revd said he hoped the future would see a return to patient-centred management which out caring for people and enabling staff to raise concerns above administration.
“We remain concerned the vision of caring for the whole person is taking too long to implement,” he added. “This period, both with the inquiry and the financial climate has made the NHS a less attractive place to recruit staff, and so, for instance, we have had trouble recruiting a replacement chaplain to provide essential spiritual care to patients, families and staff.”
