'I'm saddened and ashamed by NHS'
The conclusions of the public inquiry into the serious failings at Stafford Hospital are due to be published later this morning.
Previous investigations concluded that that the standards of care were "appalling" and that patients had been "routinely neglected".
It is thought at least 400 more people died than would normally be expected at the hospital between 2005 and 2009.
Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, told Today presenter John Humphrys that he feels "saddened and ashamed" that the NHS has let down people who alleged to have been mistreated at the Mid Staffordshire hospital.
He went on to warn that there is a danger with the process of inspection: "Staff give great care when they feel really really valued not really really inspected."
"The drive must be care and compassion at the bedside," he added.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Wednesday 6 February 2013.
06 Feb 2013
- From the section Health