We must never forget scandal

For those readers who may have forgotten, in 2007 a report appeared about 90 deaths at Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Pembury hospitals from Clostridium difficile (C.diff)

Many others were left very ill with life-changing conditions but figures for these were not published.

At the time I, along with some others, called for a public inquiry which included a letter to Ann Widdecombe, our then MP.

In her reply to me she advised that among other things this would be a waste of money.

I also wrote to Maidstone Borough Council Environmental Health Department and the HSE asking for action to be taken.

But these requests were rebuffed and as a result I resigned my membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health after 40 years of membership.

Sadly, within months a further outbreak of C.diff occurred at Mid Staffs Hospital, this time leading to more than 1200 deaths and a subsequent full public enquiry resulting in the Francis Report ensued.

Again there were many who did not want such an inquiry and it was mainly brought about by the valiant and persistent pressure of Julie Bailey, a local resident who had lost her mother in the catastrophe.

During her struggle to achieve the inquiry Julie lost her business and among other things received death threats.

A drama based on Julie Bailey’s attempts and success in bringing about the public inquiry appears tonight, Thursday, at 9pm on Channel 4 and I would urge readers to watch it.

I am proud of being one of those who nominated her for an honour award and she is now an MBE.

Tony Monk

Westerhill Road, Coxheath