NURSES treating cancer patients say they have received support from patients in the face of health watchdog scrutiny.

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester General and Essex County hospitals, was put into special measures last year after it was found cancer waiting time figures had been altered.

The trust was subject to a succession of scathing reports and last week Care Quality Commission inspectors found the accident and emergency department was at crisis point.

But two leading nurses have spoken out to assure the public that staff are utterly committed and they have received overwhelming support from patients.

Vanessa Bradbury, the chemotherapy ward sister at Colchester General Hospital, said: “We have had nothing but praise and positive comments from patients, both current and former ones.

“When the trust went into special measures, patients were writing in support of both the chemotherapy and haematology units. It is sad when bad things are said about where you work.

We have pride in our trust and we want the best for our patients.

“The issue was never about the care on the cancer ward. The care is brilliant.”

Karen Buckland, interim lead haematology nurse, added: “We are not complacent and do look to see if there are areas where we can improve services.

“We have received strong support from patients and other hospitals we work with have also given us their support.”

Mrs Bradbury added there had not been a quick turnover of staff since the trust was put into special measures.

She said: “We have a lot of long-serving members of staff who are all dedicated.

“We are also continuing to receive external applications when we do have vacancies or are expanding the team.“