Rise in Deaths from NHS Blunders is Unacceptable - Lamb

5.15.00pm GMT Wed 7th Jan 2009

News that deaths from NHS staff mistakes have risen by 60% has been branded 'shocking' by Liberal Democrat Health Spokesman, Norman Lamb MP.

'These statistics are stark and the trend is shocking,' said Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb.

'There needs to be a change of culture at the heart of the NHS. We have got far too many targets and there is a real risk that, although they are very effective at addressing a specific issue, they mean trusts do not see safety as a priority.'

'Along with very high standards in most hospitals, there are also areas of completely unacceptable practice. At the heart of this problem is weak management and indifferent political leadership."

Official records showed that the 3,645 people have died as a result of NHS mistakes in the years 2007/2008.