Hospitals rapped over major failures

Eleven hospitals are being placed on special measures because of major failings, ministers have announced.

The study was commissioned by the government after the scandal in mid-Staffordshire. It found fundamental breaches of care.

Fourteen trusts were investigated and 11 of them are being placed in special measures because their standards are so low.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the trusts, among 14 investigated for high death rates, had problems so entrenched that tough action was needed.

Sophie Hutchinson reports.