SIX health officials were quizzed by the media this afternoon at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park ground after the Keogh review of northern Lincolnshire hospitals was announced.
They did so alongside display boards carrying the slogan Safe and Sound - Chief Nurse Strategy, setting out the aims of improving patient safety "and clinical leadership close to the patient."
The officials were keen to look forward, rather than back.
Dr Peter Melton stressed mortality rates were falling.
Dr Liz Scott said in some areas they had made a great deal of progress; in other areas, not so much.
She said there had been some "uncomfortable reading" in the local press.
Chief nurse Karen Dunderdale said: "Nurses want to deliver the best service they can."
Dr Liz Scott said the issue could not be put down to a statistical blip. We are not going to blame statistics," she said.
Chairwoman Karen Jackson said they were "absolutely committed" to providing a good service and determined to resolve issues.
