An MP has written to Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive seeking answers following reports of alleged failures in patient care across its hospitals.
An investigation by The Independent and Channel 4 reported allegations from whistleblowers that patients had died during surgery without adequate investigation, while others had experienced delays to cancer diagnoses.
The investigation also reported claims that some patients had been left dying or in pain in overcrowded A&E corridors, while others had undergone invasive treatments that might have been avoided if their care had not been delayed.
Northern Care Alliance operates Salford Royal Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital, Royal Oldham Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary.
Its approximately 20,000 staff provide care to more than one million people across Greater Manchester.
The reports have prompted Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, to contact the Trust’s Chief Executive.
“Like others locally, I rely on the services of the Northern Care Alliance. I gave birth to my daughter in the Royal Oldham, and my family continues to use that hospital when needed.
“I am therefore very concerned to read about the issues within the NCA and, on behalf of local residents, have written to the chief executive to demand an update in person.
“The vast majority of people will only have positive things to say about the wonderful staff in our NHS, but we depend on these hospitals to keep us in good health and care for us in emergencies.
“Something has clearly gone wrong and situations like this erode the trust of patients.
“We need swift action to reassure us that the health service we deserve is being provided. I will also raise this issue with the Health Secretary.”
Trust responds to allegations
Northern Care Alliance said it had changed the way it runs the organisation, including putting more clinicians into leadership positions and giving them a direct role in making decisions and driving improvements.
“Like many NHS organisations, we’re facing challenges. We’re clear about what those challenges are and recognise the concerns colleagues have raised,” a spokesperson said.
“We are working to address those concerns and will continue to listen when colleagues tell us we haven’t got something right, so that we can keep learning and improving.”
The Trust said it had processes in place to investigate incidents and that learning from them was an area it needed to prioritise.
“By doing this, we can drive forward improvements and maintain our focus on safety,” the spokesperson said.
Northern Care Alliance added that it would continue to work with partners, including local authorities and its Integrated Care Board, as part of its improvement work.
The Trust also said patients and their families with concerns about their care should contact its Patient Advice and Liaison Service, which can investigate concerns and work with those involved to understand patients’ experiences.
