Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has today welcomed a statement from the Minister of State for Care and Support, announcing a Hillsborough-style inquiry into deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.
Following the publication of Professor Richard Baker's report last August, which looked into the unexpected deaths of a number of elderly patients in the 1990s, the Department of Health has held consultation sessions with the families involved, facilitating discussions on how the case should be taken forward.
Today, the Minister responsible, Norman Lamb MP, revealed that he will set up an Independent Panel to review documentary evidence held by a range of organisations. The Panel will be chaired by Bishop James Jones who led the Hillsborough inquiry.
Speaking after the announcement, Caroline said:
"For the families involved, this has been a long and hard journey. I am pleased that the Government has expressed its commitment to addressing their ongoing concerns and finding out what really happened at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.
I have always called for openness and transparency – the families deserve nothing less. The inquiry, selected by the families as their preferred course of action, is an important first step in finally bringing closure to this difficult case."
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb MP, said:
"The events at Gosport War Memorial hospital have caused immense distress to the families of the patients who died.
"I was deeply concerned by the findings of the Baker report, and I am confident that the appointment of Bishop James Jones to chair this independent process will help answer the many questions of the families affected by these shocking events."
Further details about the members of the Panel and agreed Terms of Reference will be announced in the autumn.