The NHS trust which runs Colchester’s hospitals has welcomed the publication of the review into the quality and safety of its cancer services.

Dr Sean MacDonnell, the medical director with Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust, said it accepted the report from NHS England.

And it said it was the springboard to create “good quality cancer services that our patients have the right to expect”.

He also reiterated the Trust’s apology to patients, relatives and carers for the “worry, distress and concern caused”.

NHS England was called in to review cancer services after the Care Quality Commission found data relating to cancer patients waiting times had been altered.

Dr MacDonnell said: “We accept in full the report and its recommendations and I would like to thank everyone who contributed for their work which shines a light on the way ahead for our cancer services.

“The publication will help to shape our Cancer Action Plan and gives us an opportunity to create consistently good quality cancer services that our patients have the right to expect, a challenge which we have already taken up with great focus and determination.

“The report identifies a number of problems in our cancer services which are extremely concerning but which we have started to address.

“However, it is important to stress to current cancer patients and their families that the main issues are with our processes – which we are determined to put right – and the report does not question the quality of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery for patients with cancer.

“There is much work to do but the report also points to areas of good practice, including dedicated clinical staff and teams that work very well together.”