SOUTHEND, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals have the highest death rates in the country after joining forces - prompting an internal investigation.

The three hospitals, which merged under the Mid and South Essex Success Regime, have launched a review into “higher than expected” mortality rates.

Southend Hospital currently has the fourth highest summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) figure in England. It compares the number of patients who die with the number who would be expected to die on the basis of average figures.

Basildon Hospital has also experienced a rise, while Broomfield, in Chelmsford, reportedly needs “significant improvement.”

When treated as a group, the three hospitals experienced the highest number of deaths in England between October 2015 and September 2016.

NHS campaigner Christine Papalabropoulos, 60, from Wickford, whose daughter Tina died of pneumonia in 2009, said: “I am deeply concerned that the trust is putting its three scores together to hide whichever is the failing trust.

“Basildon Hospital is already struggling and if it does become the main trauma centre as is currently being discussed, that is very worrying.”

Four years ago Basildon Hospital was placed in special measures due to concerns over its high death rates. It has since turned its fortunes around, and is rated as good by the Care Quality Commission.

Dr Celia Skinner, chief medical officer for Basildon, Broomfield and Southend, said improving the quality of care is a “main priority.” She added: “We have increased staffing levels, implemented standard pathways and systemically revised deaths and learning.

“The local plans at Southend and Mid Essex have been reviewed and we are sharing best practice across the three trusts.

“Our experience at Basildon, where we have remained within expected levels since 2014, gives me confidence we can improve but I recognise this will take time.

“An updated plan will go back to the board in the autumn.”

Under the success regime plans, Basildon Hospital will become the specialist A&E for the area. Southend and Broomfield are set to be downgraded to make less serious emergencies.