Chief executive of Europe's largest cancer centre Caroline Shaw suspended

Christie Foundation Trust chief executive welcomes 'full investigation' into allegations

Caroline Shaw was suspended on Thursday; the ex-nurse has been chief executive at the Christie since 2005 (Cate Gillon/Getty Images)

The chief executive of a leading NHS cancer hospital has been suspended amid an investigation into an internal allegation.

Caroline Shaw, who leads the Manchester-based Christie Foundation Trust was suspended on Thursday.

Ms Shaw, an ex-nurse, has been chief executive at the Christie, Europe’s largest cancer centre treating more than 40,000 patients a year, since 2005.

The nature of the allegations against Ms Shaw were unclear. The trust’s chairman Lord Bradley said the suspension was “a neutral action and follows the trust’s normal processes.”

“We have put arrangements in place to ensure both the trust’s and charity’s activities continue to be delivered to the very highest standards, and I would like to reassure patients, families and carers that this situation in no way affects or compromises patient care,” he added.

In a statement shared with the Health Service Journal, Ms Shaw said she would give the trust her “total cooperation” during their investigation, which the trust said was “part of a disciplinary process”.

“I was informed yesterday [19th December] that I have been suspended pending an inquiry into an internal allegation, as per our rigorous processes,” Ms Shaw said. “I completely understand that when any allegation is made this process must be followed and I welcome a full investigation into the matter. I will be giving my total co-operation, confident of a swift and positive conclusion. With respect to the process, I will not be commenting further until the inquiry is concluded and I look forward to soon resuming our journey to provide the very best in cancer care to the people that matter most.”