- The NHS care watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has launched an inspection of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust after The Independent exposed delays in diagnosing and treating dozens of patients, including those with cancer.
- An audit at Salford Royal Hospital's gynaecology services found that dozens of patients, including cancer patients, all under the care of Dr Jim Wolfe, were harmed when their diagnosis and treatment was delayed due to ‘admin failures’.
- An unpublished NHS England review from 2024 highlighted a 'significant backlog' of over 2,000 patient letters, including test results and referrals, which led to treatment delays of at least five months.
- Whistleblowers and Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey raised concerns about the trust's leadership allegedly ignoring safety issues and a culture where staff felt unsupported and unheard.
- The CQC is also conducting a 'well-led' review into the trust's leadership and culture, following the chief executive Owen Williams' announced intention to step down.
IN FULL
NHS watchdog launches inspection of troubled trust after The Independent exposed failures
