25.09.19
CQC improve ratings for two southern NHS trusts
Two NHS Trusts have jumped from 'Requires Improvement' ratings to 'Good' following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June and July 2019.
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust have been awarded ‘Good’ overall ratinsg by the CQC.
Both of their previous ratings were ‘Requires Improvement’. A significant improvement for the pair.
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, which employs around 3,300 staff, gained its rating for being effective, responsive, caring and well-led. The only aspect that scored below good was for being safe, for which they scored ‘Requires Improvements’.
CQC focused on six core services at the Trust. These focused heavily on care for people with mental health problems, including eating disorders and psychiatric intensive care units.
The specialist areas that have made the most improvement lie within the community services. Any concerns that were previously raised on this topic have now been addressed and improved.
Feedback from the CQC included the need for reduced patient waiting time, particularly when it came to a Mental Health Act assessment and high-quality care for people locally.
They also found the need for more permanent nursing and care staff, specifically on acute inpatient wards who are able to build a relationship with patients and be familiar with their individual needs.
Kevin Cleary, CQC’s deputy chief inspector of Hospitals Mental Health and Community Services, said:
“It’s always good to see a trust improve and Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust has improved its overall rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’."
“The trust has an ambitious board who appear to have tremendous energy and commitment to improve the care delivered to patients."
“I am however aware of the need for the trust to focus on the ongoing improvement of services for patients using the acute care pathway and we will be closely monitoring the progress.”
North Bristol NHS Trust are also celebrating their successful jump up to ‘Good’ following the inspection.
The core services being assessed here were urgent and emergency services, medical care (including older people’s care), surgery, maternity and end of life care. A special look was given to the Trust’s management and leadership quality.
The Bristol Trust even managed to score two Outstanding awards for being caring and well-led. However, is has retained the need for improvement for being responsive.
Dr Nigel Acheson, CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals for the south, said:
“North Bristol NHS Trust has worked steadily to embed the improvements we requested at our last inspection. I want to congratulate them for this work. It has helped them move from Requires Improvement to Good.
He added: “The credit must go to the hard work and commitment of the staff and leadership team.
In their report, staff were noted for treating patients with compassion and kindness, respecting their privacy and dignity, taking account of their individual needs, and helping them to understand their conditions.