Story perspectives

Kettering Hospital Fined for Failing to Inform Family

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was fined £1,250 for failing to uphold its duty of candour.
Chloe Longster died in November 2022 from pneumonia and sepsis.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the trust did not communicate serious incidents to Longster's family.
The hospital admitted failings and pledged to improve communication and care practices.
Longster's family continues to seek accountability for her death.

History

Historical Context

The Duty of Candour regulation, introduced in 2014 following the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, mandates transparency in healthcare by requiring providers like Kettering General Hospital to disclose incidents affecting patient safety. This regulation emerged from the Francis Report's recommendations and aims to enhance accountability, especially highlighted by Chloe Longster's tragic death from pneumonia and sepsis, underscoring ongoing communication challenges within the NHS.

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Story summary

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was fined £1,250 for failing to uphold its duty of candour.
Chloe Longster died in November 2022 from pneumonia and sepsis.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the trust did not communicate serious incidents to Longster's family.
The hospital admitted failings and pledged to improve communication and care practices.
Longster's family continues to seek accountability for her death.

1 / 2