A LEADING health lawyer has warned Colchester General Hospital could become the next Mid-Staffordshire Hospital-style crisis if its issues are not taken seriously.

Emma Jones, who has represented more than 200 clients in clinical negligence and human rights cases at three hospitals - including Mid-Staffs - is now behind four cases against the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust.

She warned: “Unless these issues begin to be taken seriously, we could be seeing another Mid-Staffordshire.

“That crisis did not happen overnight. It was the result of ignoring problems and risks which were set out many times over eight years.

“These were issues being raised from time to time, but nothing was done.

“We find too often that these things get swept under the table.”

Mrs Jones has pledged to come to Colchester, as she did in Mid-Staffordshire, to meet patients who are pursuing claims again the trust.

She added: “In my experience, the more people who make their voices heard, the trust has to pay attention - the power of the group has exponential power compared to one person.”

She also said the trust must be more honest with the public, adding: “It needs to make changes and let people know what changes are being made so people are not left wondering ‘is it safe to use my local hospital’.

“The safety of patients must be fundamental but if the trust is having to take action to ensure that, something is wrong.”

Since the ‘major incident’ was declared on Thursday, ten times as many non-emergency operations have been cancelled.