Whistleblowers also told the investigation they were discouraged from reporting concerns.

An NCA spokesperson said: ‘We have clear processes to investigate incidents and learning from these is an area we need to prioritise. By doing this, we can drive forward improvements and maintain our focus on safety.'

The trust said it was committed to being open and transparent, adding colleagues were encouraged to escalate concerns through a number of routes.

NCA said steps had been taken to strengthen medical engagement, including an annual medical survey and a regular cycle of engagement between the chief medical officer/senior medical leaders and the medical workforce.

A new clinical leadership model was introduced in April 2026 to bring decision-making closer to patients and frontline teams and maintain a strong focus on quality and safety.

Responding to the investigation's allegations patients were ‘left dying or in pain' in overcrowded A&E corridors, the trust said it was committed to eradicating the practice of corridor care in line with the national programme.

NCA said it also monitored nursing staffing levels closely to quickly address any shortfalls, while acknowledging sickness absence was a significant issue it was also seeking to tackle.

Formal enforcement undertakings were issued by NHSE in the summer due to concerns about quality governance arrangements and management of risk in spinal and gynaecology services. NCA said NHSE was continuing to monitor its integrated improvement plan, adding actions had been taken to address a need for clinical and safety improvements identified in internal reviews.