18.01.17
Shelford Group trust taken out of special measures
The CQC has recommended that Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS FT be taken out of special measures and has upgraded its rating to Good overall after noting “very significant” improvements in its latest inspection last September.
CUH, which includes Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is a member of the Shelford Group, an organisation of 10 academic NHS trusts that focus on healthcare research and education.
The trust had been rated as Inadequate overall and placed in special measures following a CQC inspection in April 2015, and marks further improvements since a focused CQC inspection in February 2016.
Professor Sir Mike Richards, CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals, said: “Our return to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS FT showed very significant improvement had taken place.
“Senior staff at the trust described being placed in special measures as ‘a wake up call’ which prompted an increased focus on relationships and communication between hospital staff and the senior team; the resulting improvements were evident in our inspection and in conversations we had with staff, who reported a more positive culture within the trust.”
The CQC reported that during September’s inspection it found improvement in the quality and safety of services, such as an increase in permanent staffing levels and a staff monitoring system to ensure that workforce numbers were meeting patients’ needs.
CUH’s staff were found to be very caring with the CQC praising an “open culture” at the trust, along with increased evidence of learning. The regulator highlighted significant improvements in reducing the number of patients waiting for outpatient appointments and in the trust’s revised governance systems.
CQC inspectors particularly lauded examples of outstanding practice at CUH such as weekly ‘music and movement’ classes on one ward and a mobile phone app offering patients guidance on A&E waiting times.
However, the trust was advised that it must still make improvements on reducing its waiting lists along with storing medicines securely, properly auditing end of life care and promptly responding to complaints.
Roland Sinker, CUH’s chief executive, said that the trust’s new Good rating reflected the changes that the trust has made since September 2015 and is testament to the “dedication and skill” of its staff.
“We are on a journey and will learn from the findings of the report to make further improvements in the organisation and with our partners to deliver a better service to our patients,” he added.
“We will continue to focus our attention on the areas rightly identified for action, such as ongoing issues with capacity and waiting times, where we are still not as responsive as we should be.”
Prof Sir Richards added that the trust’s staff and leadership should be “proud” of their achievements so far and the CQC will continue to monitor CUH to ensure that remaining improvements are made.
(Image c. Chris Radburn PA Images)
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