Zombie statistics

Zombie statistics and zombie facts

In the BMJ recently,  David Spiegelhalter (Winton professor for the public understanding of risk at University of Cambridge) described the figures for 'unnecessary deaths' at both Mid Staffs and 14 other hospitals inspected for the Keogh Report as potentially 'zombie statistics' - debunked figures that "will not die in spite of repeated

demolition". This seems to be the case at least among Cure and their supporters. There are constant references to "the number of graves". 

There are also 'zombie facts'. The mythological flower vases that were never on Mid Staffs wards in the period in question now were also full of "rotting flower water".  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2349149/NHS-whistleblower-Julie-Bailey-gives-interview-make-blood-boil.html

The confusion between a flower vase and a water jug is possible, but the additional detail of "rotting flower water" strikes of wilful exaggeration at best (and downright lying at worse). 

The same article has other 'zombie facts'. Despite no evidence whatsoever, Julie Bailey continues to accuse local Labour party members of orchestrating a hate campaign. She has stated there has desecration of her mother's grave. When Steve Walker of http://skwalker1964.wordpress.com/ investigated as to whether any of these alleged incidents had actually been reported to the police by means of an FOI request, he was accused by Cure members of "stalking". 

The desire by Cure for transparency doesn't extend to their own activities, even when there is a very definite public interest case in disclosure.