Inspectors for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have launched an investigation into an unusually high death rate among patients at Basildon General Hospital in Essex.

Sky News reports that an expert taskforce will visit the hospital, after routine investigations revealed a number of errors in procedures, including equipment intended for single use being used again, blood splattered on trays used to carry equipment, resuscitation room equipment past its use-by date, blood stains on floors and curtains – and heavily soiled mattresses in the A&E department with stains that were soaked all the way through.

The inspectors also found blood pressure cuffs with blood stains on them – and suction machines contaminated with fluid inside and out and what appeared to be mould.

A CQC report published in November raised concerns about the findings of the routine inspection at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is in Essex. The CQC has asked Monitor – the regulator of trusts that have foundation status – to take action.

The trust comprises two hospitals which care for around 300,000 patients – inpatient care takes place at Basildon University Hospital and Orsett Hospital deals with outpatients. The trust was issued with a CQC warning notice on 20 October, which expires on Monday (30/11/09)

Director of the Patients’ Association, Katherine Murphy, said board members of the trust should step down following the findings of the CQC report.

Health Minister Mike O’Brien said that Monitor had used its formal powers of intervention at Basildon and Thurrock NHS Foundation Trust ‘to drive rapid improvements in patient care, including sending in an expert taskforce to oversee and support this’.

‘Patient safety must be a top priority for the NHS and all patients deserve the highest quality of care,’ said Mr O’Brien.

‘We expect these issues to be dealt with quickly and effectively to ensure high-quality, safe care for patients. Their progress will be closely and rigorously overseen by Monitor.’

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