If nurses get the care of older people right by applying the theory to practice, paying attention to feeding them and providing them with fluids, washing and cleaning them when they are unable to wash themselves, communicating with them and encouraging them through caring, kindness and compassion then caring for other patients will come naturally.

BBC: 'Shame on us nurses'

His answer is a greater transparency, a "duty of candour", and an emphasis on compassion at the heart of the so-called "caring services", especially nursing.

BBC: Will Francis report rebuild trust in Stafford Hospital?