A REPORT due out on Tuesday into the above average death rate at 14 hospital trusts is expected to say that Basildon has the highest “mortality ratio” of all.

The document, by NHS medical director Bruce Keogh, will also reportedly criticise Basildon Hospital because until last year it had a death rate which was 20 per cent above the NHS average.

This means that there were 1,600 more deaths than would have taken place if it had an average death rate.

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price said: "The Keogh Review has confirmed what I have known for some time which is that Basildon hospital has failed too many patients at their most vulnerable."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said that they are unable to comment on the review before it is published but that a programme of change is already underway at the hospital.

She added that it is committed to making any changes needed to improve care.

Pick up Monday's Echo for more on the issue.