THE boss of Colchester hospital has admitted letting patients down amid the cancer cover-up scandal.

Dr Gordon Coutts, Chief Executive of the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust (CHUFT), spoke at a meeting with Tendring Council’s Health and Well-Being Board on Monday.

Colchester Hospital was put into special measures by Monitor earlier this month after a report by the Care Quality Commission found cancer patients’ records had been altered.

The report revealed 22 out of 61 cancer patient’s treatment may have been delayed but records were altered to make it look like treatment had started within the target time.

Speaking at the meeting at Clacton Town Hall, Dr Coutts said: “The report is very concerning and there have been delays in cancer treatment which have had an impact for some patients.

“We have let them down and that is a terrible thing to have to say.

“Staff had made inappropriate changes to data having been bullied and pressurised and that is not in line with what we stand for.

“We have to find out whether this has just happened in cancer services – or elsewhere - and correct it.”