Nearly 50 patient case notes from Stafford Hospital are being independently reviewed following the Healthcare Commission investigation.

Mid Staffordshire Foundation Hospitals Trust said that staff were supporting 43 families who had requested notes of relatives be reopened.

It comes after more than 90 calls to a special helpline set up by the trust for people concerned about former patients’ treatment at Stafford Hospital after it emerged that more than 400 unnecessary deaths were caused by care failings.

A Trust spokeswoman said: “We would like to support the public as soon as possible and encourage people to make contact if they wish to have a case note review carried out in relation to their deceased relative’s care. This offer will remain open until the end of June.”

Requests can be made to the Patients Advice and Liaison Office at Stafford Hospital on 0800 040 7060 or e-mail: PALS@midstaffs.nhs.uk