NHS trust bosses admit they have lost count of death figures

During an emotionally charged board meeting, leaders of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust made heartfelt apologies over its recent data scandal.

Trust chairman Zoe Billingham fought back tears as she led directors in discussing a report prepared by bereaved families and campaigners in response to a recent audit of mortality data.

Caroline Aldridge, co-author of 'Forever Gone'. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant 2021)

The report, written by Caroline Aldridge, Anne Humphrys and Emma Corlett, came after a review was unable to ascertain precisely how many people have died in NSFT's care.

Ms Billingham said: "What we are talking about is humans who have lost their lives and families who have suffered loss and grieved.

"Your report has had a very profound effect on me - clearly we have lost count of people who have died because our approach has not been good enough.

"I want to make an unequivocal and unreserved public apology for this."

Stuart Richardson, cheif executive of NSFT. Picture: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

Stuart Richardson, chief executive of NSFT, apologised for the approach the trust had taken while publishing the outcome of the controversial Grant Thornton report.

He said: "This is not about data, it is about families, friends and loved ones of people who have been lost.

"I am very sorry the tone of that has not landed in the way we had hoped.

"I am very sorry and going forward we will have a very different approach."

Mrs Aldridge said sharing the report with the board was "hugely emotional".

She added: "The apologies to bereaved families are welcome, but need to be followed through with actions.

"There will be difficult conversations and meetings ahead, but if all concerned are willing to bring their hearts and minds into finding shared solutions there is hope things can get better."

A helpline for people affected by the issues in this article is open daily from 8am until 8pm on 01423 856799.