IT IS no secret that Basildon Hospital has had a troublesome recent history.

It is also no secret I have not pulled any punches in highlighting when it has been deficient.

I welcome the fact that Sir Bruce Keogh will be undertaking an inquiry into Basildon after the completion of the Mid Staffordshire review.

I do so because I want residents to have the best health services available and, as a public figure, I can call those responsible for failure to account.

Unless we deal with bad practice when we come across it, we cannot guarantee all patients will receive the care they deserve.

And while most patients will be satisfied with the care they receive, it isn’t enough to compensate for those who are let down by the care they receive. I will not turn a blind eye when standards of care are deficient.

I would like to pay tribute to those staff who over the years have tried to blow the whistle on poor standards in our hospitals.

I would like to see a culture emerge where staff can raise concerns without fear or favour.

It also must be made clear that where there is failure, the buck lies with the hospital board.

The Foundation Trust model has not always been effective, indeed the Prime Minister has talked of a culture of complacency which has become the hallmark of some boards.

It is the role of non-executive directors to hold the hospital management to account.

It is clear that in the past there has not been effective challenge. Non-executive directors must be prepared to do the job, not simply turn up and take the money.

There have been big changes in the management of Basildon Hospital. I can say the dialogue I have is now more responsible.

It is early days for the new leadership team, but they have a determination to improve which is great to see. There is no reason why Basildon cannot improve.