AN INDEPENDENT inquiry into a hospital described as having shocking standards of care has delivered its final report.

The inquiry was launched into events at Stafford Hospital after a damning report last March from the Healthcare Commission revealed a catalogue of failings.

The commission found between 400 and 1,200 more people died than would have been expected in a three-year period from 2005 to 2008.

A Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Independent Inquiry spokesman said: "The independent inquiry into care provided by Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust January 2005 to March 2009 has delivered its final report to the Secretary of State for Health."

The inquiry was held in private, angering the relatives of patients affected.