An audit at Salford Royal Hospital, which is part of the Northern Care Alliance Trust, has revealed that dozens of gynaecology patients, including those suffering from cancer, experienced harm as a result of delayed diagnoses and treatment. These delays were attributed to administrative shortcomings within the hospital.
Audit Findings
The review, conducted in 2024, was prompted by concerns that necessary follow-up appointments were not being carried out for patients under the care of consultant Dr Jim Wolfe. Some patients reportedly did not receive treatment letters, and test results were not acted upon in a timely manner. A separate investigation by NHS England in December 2024 had already identified a substantial backlog of more than 2,000 letters that had not been sent. These included test results and referrals, which led to treatment delays of at least five months.
Staff Concerns
Staff members have expressed ongoing concerns to Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey regarding patient safety, workforce pressures, and a culture where they feel their voices are not heard. They described feeling “silenced” when raising issues about the care provided.
Trust Response
The Northern Care Alliance Trust has issued an apology for the distress caused to patients and their families. The trust confirmed that all affected patients have been followed up and their care managed appropriately. A new leadership team has been appointed and is implementing improvements to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
