NHS Watchdog Probes Trust After Patient Harm Exposed

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has initiated an inspection of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in Greater Manchester. This follows revelations of delayed diagnoses and treatments for numerous patients, including cancer sufferers, attributed to administrative failures.

The trust's gynaecology services at Salford Royal Hospital are under particular scrutiny. An audit revealed that hundreds of women's necessary follow-ups were not conducted. Dozens of patients, under the care of Dr. Jim Wolfe, experienced harm due to these delays.

Further concerns emerged from an unpublished NHS England review, highlighting a backlog of over 2,000 patient letters and test results. This administrative backlog delayed some patients' treatment by at least five months. The service also faces challenges with agency doctor reliance and consultant absences.

Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey has echoed staff concerns regarding patient safety and a lack of support within the trust. The CQC's inspection now includes gynaecology and surgical services, prompted by fresh safety worries. A separate 'well-led' review by the CQC and NHS England will assess the trust's leadership and culture, amidst the planned departure of its chief executive.