Cancer centre downgraded by inspectors

Health watchdog tells Christie chiefs to improve after 'working culture' concerns

- THOMAS GEORGE

THE Christie has been downgraded by the health watchdog after concerns were raised about its working culture.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) told The Christie NHS Foundation Trust it 'requires improvement' in safety and leadership. The watchdog launched a review into the prestigious cancer centre following whistleblowing concerns.

While inspectors rated the Withington-based hospital as 'good' overall, they criticised its culture and said staff 'did not always feel listened to.

The watchdog found that 'senior executives were heavily invested in the promotion and protection of the trust's reputation, which 'impacted negatively' on some staff.

The Christie is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe and treats more than 60,000 patients a year. It was rated 'outstanding' at its last two inspections in 2016 and 2018.