Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the accuracy of allegations of impropriety in the investigation into medical malpractice at Salford Royal Hospital in 2023.

The Northern Care Alliance commissioned the Spinal Patient Safety Look Back review in 2021. A report detailing the findings was published in July 2023. Following this, the Northern Care Alliance additionally commissioned an independent barrister to review the Trust’s historic management of concerns raised regarding a particular surgeon. The findings of this review are being finalised and will be shared in due course. No assessment has been made by the Department as to the accuracy of the allegations.