NHS ‘can’t be sure more patients won’t be harmed’ at scandal-hit trust

NHS England has taken enforcement action against a major health trust over multiple safety concerns, warning that it cannot be sure more patients won’t be harmed.

The sanction means Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, in Greater Manchester, could be fined or lose its license to provide care if it does not improve.

It comes after a string of serious concerns were raised about patient safety, including in its gynaecological services, after an audit of hundreds of cases at Salford Royal Hospital in 2024 found dozens of women, including cancer patients, were “harmed” after their diagnosis and treatment were delayed due to admin failures.

Now, a damning document, seen by The Independent, reveals NHS England found the trust has been “unable to provide assurance” that it has a clear and consistent structure “that will ensure no further patients may suffer harm”.

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Source: The Independent, 19 June 2026