Hospital Mortality Rates

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Andrew Bingham

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

The right ratio of patients to nurses depends on the type of patients in a ward, because different wards have different requirements. Salford Royal has a good model through which it ensures that it has the right number of nurses. As I said to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Sarah Champion), I accept what Francis says about safe staffing, but he did not recommend the Labour party’s policy of minimum mandated national staffing levels. I am following the recommendation of the Francis report, which I think is the right way forward.

[Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con)]

My constituents in Glossop use Tameside hospital. For too long, people such as Liz Degnen have highlighted their worries about Tameside, and the recent departure of its chief executive was called for and welcomed by several hon. Members. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Keogh report is a vindication of many of my constituents’ long-held beliefs?

[Mr Hunt]

Yes it is, but I hope that we can give them confidence today that the problems will finally be addressed.