- An audit at Salford Royal Hospital, part of Northern Care Alliance Trust, found dozens of gynaecology patients, including those with cancer, were harmed by delayed diagnoses and treatment due to administrative failures.
- The 2024 review was initiated due to concerns that necessary follow-ups were not conducted for patients under consultant Dr Jim Wolfe, with some not receiving treatment letters or having results acted upon.
- A separate NHS England review in December 2024 had previously identified a “significant backlog” of over 2,000 un-sent letters, including test results and referrals, leading to treatment delays of at least five months.
- Staff have voiced ongoing concerns to Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey regarding patient safety, workforce pressures, and a culture where they feel “silenced”.
- Northern Care Alliance Trust has apologised for the distress caused, confirming that affected patients have been followed up and managed, and a new leadership team is implementing improvements.
IN FULL
Cancer patients among dozens ‘harmed’ by delayed diagnosis and treatment at NHS trust
