HSE launches formal investigation into death at Mid Staffs NHS Trust

An HSE spokesman said: "Following legal advice, HSE deferred a decision to pursue the investigation into Gillian Astbury’s death until the conclusion of the public inquiry, chaired by Robert Francis QC, into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.     

"We can now confirm that our inspectors have today formally started an investigation. Our focus will be on establishing whether there is evidence of the employer [the Trust] or individuals failing to comply with their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act."

See also: Mid-Staffs NHS Trust - the lessons for local authorities.