Oral Answers to Questions

Elsie Blundell Excerpts

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Mrs Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions she has had with the interim leadership of the Northern Care Alliance NHS foundation trust.

[The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)]

I absolutely endorse your comments about our colleague, Mr Speaker.

I know that my hon. Friend and many other colleagues are deeply concerned about the issues at Northern Care Alliance. As of June this year, the trust has been placed under the highest level of regional oversight and support from NHS England. It is imperative that rapid movements are made, governance systems are strengthened and that every patient receives the standard of care that they deserve.

[Mrs Blundell]

My constituents are very concerned about Northern Care Alliance hospitals. Across the trust, there were 10 serious incidents between 2025 and 2026 that were found to be wholly preventable, lengthy delays causing severe harm to patients and industrial action, culminating in a sustained decline in performance and national rankings on patient safety. What options are therefore on the table if the trust does not show urgent signs of improvement?

[Karin Smyth]

My hon. Friend rightly highlights on behalf of her constituents the number of issues that have led to this significant regulatory intervention and support. If necessary, further action is available to NHS England and the Care Quality Commission. We want to ensure that the focus now is on supporting and challenging the trust to make the rapid and sustained improvements necessary in those key areas. I know that my hon. Friend and our other colleagues will work closely with the trust on this; I always encourage MPs to work closely with their trust to ensure that that happens. If necessary, other measures will also be available.