Michael Fabricant has welcomed the statement by Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, made in the House of Commons today (9th June) that there will be a public inquiry into the failings at Stafford Hospital and protection of whistle blowers.

Michael says "A few years ago, a senior consultant and a nurse came to see me and showed me photographs of a hospital in the midlands with filth and holes in the walls – even in the operating theatres. But they were terrified they might lose their jobs and would not leave the evidence with me. The announcement by Andrew Lansley will protect health employees who, in turn, wish to protect patients in their hospital.

"I am also delighted that Andrew Lansley will be instituting a full independent and public inquiry into the workings of Stafford Hospital with full powers to summons and protect witnesses and make any recommendations they feel need to be made. This was opposed by the previous Government and many local people viewed it as a ‘cover up’."