SOUTH Staffordshire PCT has apologised to families who have lost loved ones at Stafford Hospital for its part in failing to identify poor levels of care.
The organisation has admitted it was not sufficiently proactive enough in indentifying the quality and standard of care provided before the issues were brought to its attention in 2008.
In a statement released following the Francis report publication PCT bosses said: “Much has been learnt since 2009 and the PCT now operates with quality at the centre of all that we do.
"We will ensure that this legacy is handed over to the new clinically led commissioners and our successor organisations, so that never again should patients and their families be failed in this way.
“We recognise the tireless campaigning the families have done over a number of years to bring about a radical change in how care is delivered. We would also like to thank Robert Francis QC and all the witnesses who have contributed to the Public Inquiry and we accept the findings of the Inquiry for the PCT’s failings in investigating quality concerns.
A helpline has now been set up for people to contact who have been affected. It is available between 9am and 4pm on 01782 401049.
