The man behind the Stafford Hospital scandal today broke his two-and-a-half year silence over the affair, claiming he thought of taking his own life.
A defiant Mr Yeates repeatedly claimed the hospital had “turned the corner” and “things were on the up” when the Healthcare Commission’s investigation in 2008 stopped progress “in our tracks”.
The commission reported that hundreds of patients may have died needlessly at the hospital. Mr Yeates, who resigned to avoid disciplinary action in May 2009, portrayed himself and his team as victims, used as a “political football” and hounded by the media and campaigners in what he described as a “genuine living nightmare.”
He said: “My ill-health and genuine consideration of taking my own life on a number of occasions, has been a consequence…of the impact of the investigation, the immediate aftermath and the continued harassment nearly three years after the event.”
The statement made no mention of the first inquiry by Robert Francis QC, the continuing problems in A&E in 2009, or the controversial re-organisation of wards while Mr Yeates was in charge.
In his statement he said he can’t give evidence in person for “medical reasons” but he added: “I hope following receipt of my statement, I will be allowed to move forward with my life.
Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/10/03/ex-stafford-hospital-chief-breaks-his-silence-over-scandal/#ixzz1ZjczlmUY
