A POLICE investigation has been called for by Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith into the death of a man at one of the area’s leading private hospitals.

Cancer patient Charles Leahy, 59, had a heart attack at the Spire Roding Hospital in Woodford Green in March 2009, after being admitted for routine treatment.

Julie Moody, 54, pictured, a former senior nurse at the hospital told Mr Duncan Smith that she warned her bosses in October 2008 that staff had not been properly trained in resuscitation techniques, but claims that her warnings were not acted on.

The MP has now asked health secretary Andrew Lansley, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Metropolitan Police to look into Mr Leahy’s death.

Mrs Moody, of Blueberry Close in Woodford Green, said: “The training was not provided as it should have been, and it was then signed off as having been completed.

“The training should have gone on for three to four hours but it only lasted 55 minutes.

“It could have been me or anyone that had the heart attack, it had nothing to do with Mr Leahy’s cancer.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful.”

Mr Duncan Smith said: “It is clear, from what Julie Moody says, that a number of staff at Roding Hospital were not properly trained.

“This oversight may have led to the death of a patient which could have been avoided.

“I have requested an immediate police inquiry into this matter and I have also queried why no action has been taken against Roding Hospital with the Department of Health.

“I very much hope to be able to obtain some redress for Julie Moody and the family of Charles Leahy.”

Andy Wood, hospital director at Spire Roding Hospital, said: “The primary concern of Spire Roding Hospital is always the welfare and safety of our patients, and in addition our staff who care for them.

“We take this responsibility very seriously, and invest heavily in our clinical teams and in continuously improving every aspect of the care we offer, setting extremely high standards which are carefully monitored.

“We strongly deny allegations that the cardiac arrest and subsequent death of a patient was inadequately staffed and investigated.

“We have robust procedures in place for dealing with cardiac arrest including rapid response of a team of trained staff.

“We always act immediately if we suspect standards have not been met, including investigating fully any complaint or concern relating to the operation of the hospital or patient care, whatever its origin.”

The Guardian has asked the Metropolitan Police for a comment.