Health watchdog tells Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust it must improve

The Care Quality Commission has told one of England’s biggest NHS Trusts that changes must be made across its services following their first wide-ranging inspection, and rated them as “requiring improvement”.

 

The trust was formed in April 2020 following the merger of three separate hospital trusts, and has a total of 1,800 inpatient beds and 15,000 staff.

 

Inspectors visited surgical, medical, maternity, and urgent and emergency services across the hospitals.  The unannounced visits were made between July and September following concerns raised over standards.

 

Philippa Styles, head of hospital inspection at the CQC, said they “found a mixed picture” of areas of concern and positive improvements.

 

She said “Following the trust’s formation in 2020, leaders should now be able to work together effectively to ensure care is consistent across all services.

 

“I recognise the enormous pressure NHS services are under … and that usual expectations cannot always be maintained, especially in the urgent and emergency department, but it is important they do all they can to mitigate risks to patient safety.”

 

Clare Panniker, chief executive of the trust, said there were “some extremely positive findings” and wanted to “thank our extraordinary staff for continuing to provide such high quality care.

 

“We merged to become one of the largest trusts in the country in the middle of a global pandemic, at the most challenging time the NHS has ever known.  To be rated as good for care and for providing effective services is a real achievement.

 

“We are fully aware of the key issues and are continuing to address these.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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