Protest over health inquiry plea

A report found receptionists carried out initial checks on patients

Campaigners calling for a public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital were planning a protest in the Health Secretary's constituency.

A second inquiry was described as "a narrow, private process" by a solicitor for the Cure the NHS group, Richard Stein, when it started on Tuesday.

The group planned to be outside a surgery held by Andy Burnham, the MP for Leigh, Greater Manchester.

The hospital was heavily criticised by the Healthcare Commission in March.

It said "appalling" emergency care had led to patients "dying needlessly".

About 400 more people died at Stafford Hospital between 2005 and 2008 than would be expected, the Healthcare Commission said.

One of the worst examples of care cited in the watchdog's report was the use of receptionists to carry out initial checks on patients.

The Care Quality Commission, which replaced the Health Commission, said there had been progress, but some areas had to be addressed "urgently".

The trust has said lessons had been learned and staffing levels had been increased.

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