Gosport hospital deaths: Son joins calls for 'Hillsborough-style' inquest

Robert Wilson, a former Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, died aged 74 in 1998

The son of a man who died at a hospital that is being investigated over the care of hundreds of patients has joined calls for a Hillsborough-style inquest.

An inquiry in 2018 found 456 patients died after being given opiate drugs at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Hampshire between 1987 and 2001.

Robert Wilson was sent there to recuperate after he broke his left shoulder but he died aged 74 in 1998.

His son Robert Logan said a "full and fearless" investigation must be held.

The families of Cliff Houghton, Dulcie Middleton, Arthur Cunningham and Eva Page are among others who have called for new inquests

No charges have ever been brought against any hospital staff. Police began a fresh inquiry into care in 2019.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Mr Wilson's family have asked the attorney general for a fresh inquest to be held into his death.

A first inquest was held in March and April 2009 before a jury of seven people at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

A spokesperson for the attorney general said an application for a fresh inquest was being considered with the "thoroughness and sensitivity it deserves".

"Therefore it will take time for this to be done to the highest standard," the spokesperson added.

Mr Wilson's son Logan said a "full and fearless" investigation into deaths at the hospital must be held

Mr Logan said: "We want answers about why Robert died and we agree that a Hillsborough-style inquest will be the best way forward.

"There needs to be a full and fearless coronial investigation into what went wrong at Gosport Memorial Hospital and why it was allowed to continue over so many years."

Leigh Day solicitors, who are acting on behalf of patients' families, have also asked for fresh inquests into the deaths of two patients who died in August 1998.

Gladys Richards died aged 91, while Arthur Cunningham died aged 79.

The law firm is encouraging families calling for fresh inquests to come forward ahead of a meeting in Portsea later this month.

Last month it was announced that new inquests would be held into the deaths of four patients by the Hampshire coroner.

They died between February 1994 and September 2001.

Dr Barton was found guilty of serious professional misconduct in 2010 but no prosecutions have ever been brought

Some of those who died at the hospital were given medication by Dr Jane Barton, who retired after she was found guilty by the General Medical Council of failing in her care of 12 patients.

In a statement in 2018, Dr Barton said she was a "hard-working doctor" who was "doing her best" for patients in a "very inadequately resourced" part of the NHS.