Scandal-hit hospital to be charged over death

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said there was enough evidence to bring criminal proceedings against Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust over the death of 66-year-old Gillian Astbury in 2007.

It follows an investigation launched earlier this year by the HSE into Mrs Astbury’s death following the conclusion of the Francis Inquiry into events at Stafford Hospital.

An inquest into Mrs Astbury’s death recorded a narrative verdict but said a failure to administer insulin amounted to a gross failure to provide basic care.

HSE head of operations in the West Midlands Peter Galsworthy said: “We have concluded our investigation into the death of Gillian Astbury at Stafford Hospital and have decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring criminal proceedings in this case.

“HSE will be charging Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

“The immediate cause of death was the failure to administer insulin to a known diabetic patient.

“Our case alleges that the trust failed to devise, implement or properly manage structured and effective systems of communication for sharing patient information, including in relation to shift handovers and record-keeping.”

The case’s first hearing will be at Stafford Magistrates’ Court on October 9.

Police investigated after Mrs Astbury’s death, but the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring a prosecution.

Last month, the Nursing and Midwifery Council found two nurses guilty of misconduct for failing to spot Ms Astbury was diabetic.