Winifred Wardle
22 Dec 2025 · Coroner Adrian Farrow · Manchester South
The coroner's concerns
1. absence of clear protocol for multi-disciplinary approach to CT scan requests
“There appears to be an absence within the Tameside General Hospital of a clear protocol for a multi-disciplinary approach to CT scan requests”
2. on-call radiologist as ultimate decision-maker for CT scan requests
“The on-call radiologist appears to be the ultimate decision-maker in relation to CT scan requests, even where ward-level doctors require urgent clarity from CT scans to achieve a diagnosis”
3. unclear escalation lines for CT scan requests
“The lines of escalation where a request for a CT scan is not accepted by the radiology department are not clearly known or understood at ward-level, even by consultants”
4. incomprehensive records of CT scan decision-making
“The records of the decision-making process concerning CT scan requests are not comprehensive so as to provide a clear account”