Older patients forcing up death rate figures says hospital

HEALTH workers have moved to allay patients’ fears after new figures claimed death rates at Basildon Hospital were the worst in the country.

Independent figures released from independent healthcare assessor, Dr Foster Intelligence, concluded mortality rates at Basildon Hospital were 32.2 per cent higher than the national average.

The hospital admitted it had a high proportion of elderly and terminally ill people dying at the hospital because of a lack of hospices in the area.

However, it insisted the real reason for being named worst in the country for death rates was because it had made mistakes in recording information and statistics which were sent to Dr Foster.

Barbara Stuttle, in charge of quality and nursing for the NHS South West Essex, said: “This misinformation is unacceptable and we are looking into it very seriously.”

Alan Whittle, Basildon Hospital chief executive, warned against taking the statistics at face value.

He said: “It is important people understand there is no relationship between the standard of care and the mortality rate.

“This could really put back the level of confidence that people have in healthcare provision.”

Billericay MP John Baron said: “This is a major concern. If there is a problem with the statistics then the hospital must get it sorted quickly, otherwise it will affect staff morale and patient confidence.

“If the statistics are right, then this begs a bigger question.”

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith added: “Basildon Hospital has a disproportionate number of elderly patients than elsewhere who would otherwise be in care homes.

“Sadly, a number of these pass away while still in hospital, increasing the mortality figures.

“The hospital has acquired an excellent reputation and I would not want these figures to unfairly damage this.”