NHS trust pays compensation to victims of 'appalling' patient care

NHS trust pays compensation to victims of 'appalling' patient care

An NHS trust is paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation to bereaved relatives and victims of its "appalling" patient care.

Stafford hospital routinely neglected patients and displayed systemic failings, an independent inquiry found earlier this year.

Between 400 and 1,200 more people died between 2005 to 2008 than would have been expected, the inquiry said. It concluded that the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust had become preoccupied with cost-cutting and targets.

Dozens of families will receive payouts ranging from £1,000 to about £27,500, with an average payment of more than £11,000.

The trust said it did not yet know what the total cost would be because claims were still being settled and others may have yet to be made.

A spokeswoman said the figure was expected to be less than £1m, but it is believed to be Britain's largest-ever group claim against a hospital.