Airedale General Hospital managers considered how to strengthen relationships as part of their reaction to failings at Stafford Hospital.

Members of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust debated their response to the Francis Report, commissioned after the Stafford scandal, where neglect and abuse led to hundreds of needless patient deaths.

Director of nursing Rob Dearden said: “We haven’t been out of kilter with what the Francis Report is recommending. But there is always more we can do.

“One area I’d highlight is visibility and listening – making our board more visible through walk-arounds, ward visits and talking to staff and patients.”

He said board members should ask “hard, probing questions” to uncover any concerns.

He also asked managers to approve a new set of standards to ensure patients are treated with dignity.