Investigations are under way to establish how three 'never events' – including inserting the wrong implant – have happened in the James Paget Hospital since April.

The news come two days after all Care Quality Commission (CQC) warnings were lifted on the hospital.

The Board of Directors meeting, which was held at the hospital yesterday, heard that there have been three 'never events' reported since April.

An incorrect implant was used resulting in the patient needing further surgery, a swab was not removed after a gynaecological procedure and a swab was left inside someone after a cyst was removed.

Bernard Brett, medical director at the Trust, said: 'No serious harm was caused to any patients and a full root cause analysis is being carried out.

'This is something we are taking seriously and working hard to address as soon as possible.'

Chairman David Wright said: 'The fact there are plural has to be of real concern for us all. It must never happen again, it's pretty terrifying.'

Interim director of nursing Tina Cookson said: 'These things should never happen – it's not about the seriousness – they should just never happen.

'It has been mandatory for staff to be retrained. I have given a clear message to staff that it's unacceptable and it should never happen.'

Mr Wright asked for a more detailed report to be presented next month and it will be discussed at the trust's next board meeting which will be held on Friday, July 27.

The hospital has a chequered recent past. The health watchdog, the CQC, handed the hospital three warnings in the past year – on dignity and nutrition, service provision and patient care and welfare.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit to the hospital on June 12 and found it is now meeting the required standards for patient care and welfare – which was the last outstanding warning.