Colchester General Hospital placed in special measures over cancer waiting time claims
Decision taken after staff were forced to change cancer waiting times data
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The hospital at the centre of a police investigation over allegations staff changed cancer waiting times figures has been placed in special measures.
Health regulator Monitor said that the Colchester Hospital University NHS Trust had breached its licence to provide health services, after a Care Quality Commission report found evidence that staff were "bullied" into altering figures to meet national targets.
It is the 13th NHS trust to be handed the sanction. The regulator will appoint an improvement director to oversee changes to the way the trust is run, but, unlike other hospitals placed in special measures, the current board and senior management will remain.
Adam Cayley, Regional Director for Monitor said: "Following the urgent actions already taken to safeguard patients at the trust we have stepped in formally to assure the health and wellbeing of patients using the cancer pathway at Colchester.
"The trust has been given an explicit set of actions to improve the service it offers patients. We will be monitoring progress closely and we will not hesitate to take further regulatory action if required."
However, union leaders said that the trusts leadership should be changed. Tracey Lambert, Unison's regional head of health said: "The trust board has lost the confidence of patients and the public in north-east Essex and people want to see strong, positive action to improve health care at the hospital."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments