n TOWN hall chiefs say they will be “monitoring the progress” of the new investigation into “coding” of data at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Sean Harriss, chief executive of Bolton Council, said: “I have been briefed on the findings of the report and support the approach that is being taken by the CCG and RBH in respect of the more detailed follow- up investigation.

“It is important to fully establish the facts and it is positive this work will be undertaken over the coming weeks. I will continue to work with the leadership of the CCG and RBH and provide support where appropriate.”

Bolton Council’s Executive cabinet member for health, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Linda Thomas, added: “We have been made aware of the findings of the report and welcome the decision by Bolton CCG and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to investigate this matter further.

“It is too early to comment at this stage on the implications of these findings. However, we will be monitoring the progress of the investigation and will study the conclusions when they are made available.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with our health partners and provide support where needed.”