George Eliot Hospital death rates higher than expected

[dutchman]

Bosses at a Warwickshire hospital have requested an external review into its mortality rates which are higher than expected according to new measures.



The George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Nuneaton has the highest rating in England after 1,024 deaths were observed in the year ending March 2011.

Only 843 had been expected according to a new hospital-level indicator.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said figures were a "smoke alarm to prompt further investigation".

"Alongside other data, this will help the NHS in future to spot and act on poor care as soon as possible," added Mr Lansley.

"We are determined to learn the lessons of the appalling events at Mid Staffordshire - this data will help us avoid a repeat of that tragedy."

George Eliot was rated 1.21 by the Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI).

The SHMI looks at deaths in hospitals and up to 30 days after a patient is released.

The trust's chief executive, Kevin McGee, said he was taking the issue "extremely seriously".