[1][2] In July 2006, Bower became Chief Executive of the NHS West Midlands,[2] a major regional strategic health authority which included responsibility for Stafford Hospital.

It was exposed in a Panorama investigation into physical and psychological abuse suffered by people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, first broadcast in 2011.

[7] In light of wider allegations, Una O'Brien, the then permanent secretary at the Department of Health was appointed to write a report on the CQC.

On publication of the report in April 2012 in which Winterbourne View was cited, Bower was forced to resign when O'Brien concluded that "lessons need to be learned from the performance shortcomings of the early years.

"[13] In June 2013, following a series of critical reports and facing 30 civil claims for negligence, it was announced that the organisation would be subjected to a public inquiry.

"[15] Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, issued an official apology in the House of Commons for "the appalling suffering" of the 30 families involved.

The people named were Cynthia Bower, deputy CEO Jill Finney, and media manager Anna Jefferson, who were all said by Grant Thornton to be present at a meeting where deletion of a critical report was allegedly discussed.