Mr Hunt said he wanted to embed a culture of "zero harm and compassionate care" throughout the NHS. Mr Hunt said the onus would be on hospital boards, but that consideration was being given to making individual doctors and nurses criminally responsible for covering up errors.

BBC: Government's Mid Staffs response: At a glance

The idea of trying to create a zero-harm culture has come out of a global recognition that some patients needlessly suffer or die in hospital because of errors.

BBC: Turn Stafford anger into action, says Obama adviser

In future there will be a zero tolerance policy for any actions that harm the reputation of the bank, Mr Agius says.

BBC: Barclays launches 'root and branch review'

"This is a zero trial, " he says, that neither shows harm nor benefit.

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