Cumbria Police are currently investigating the deaths of a number of babies at the unit, and a heath trust spokesman said sickness levels had risen since the inquiry began.

BBC: Furness General maternity unit staffing crisis resolved

This conclusion followed hard on the heels of an external inquiry and reports from the Mental Health Act Commissioners, both of which were positive about the new unit that had replaced Garlands Hospital where the abuse took place.

BBC: NHS inspectorate shows its teeth