Basildon Hospital death rate review taking place next month

Basildon Hospital has been accused of trying to cover up its mortality rates

A review into why an Essex hospital has higher-than-expected death rates is to take place next month.

Basildon University Hospital said it would be visited on 7 May as part of the Keogh Review into potential failings at 14 hospital trusts.

The review was unveiled after shortcomings led to hundreds of deaths at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust has been accused of covering up its rates, which it denies.

The hospital's chief executive, Clare Panniker, said she "fully supported the review" and would "listen, learn and implement any changes we need to".

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh is expected to report on his findings by the summer.

The hospital had 1,943 deaths between July 2011 and June 2012.