Date set for heart babies' report

It is thought to be the biggest NHS inquiry

The final report of the independent public inquiry into the Bristol heart babies' scandal will be published on 18 July.

It is thought to be the largest investigation ever into the workings of the health service.

The inquiry looked into 2,000 cases and took 500 witness statements.

A second and final part of the report has now been passed to Health Secretary Alan Milburn prior to publication.

Tight security

There has been tight security surrounding publication and the only other people to have received copies are senior named officials within the Department of Health.

James Wisheart: "Best not good enough"

The final report, which will be split in two sections called "The Bristol Story" and "The Future", was originally scheduled to be published at the end of last year.

The inquiry, headed by Professor Ian Kennedy, of University College, London, was set up following the General Medical Council's (GMC's) investigation into three doctors at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in1998.

The GMC struck off heart surgeon James Wisheart and hospital chief executive John Roylance.

A third doctor, Janardan Dhasmana, was banned from operating on children for three years.

Apology to families

The GMC investigation focused on 53 cases at the hospital.

A week ago James Wisheart, apologised to the families involved for the "torment" they suffered.

He admitted that at times, his best "had not been good enough".

Hopes for report

But he said he still believed the decision of the GMC was wrong.

He told the Bristol Evening Post he expected the report to "combine thorough analysis, courage and honesty."

He said: "It remains to be seen how either the process of the public inquiry, or its findings will help and assist these parents.

"But I hope and pray they will eventually find comfort and healing."