21.02.18
Large London trust must improve after CQC finds ‘poor state of repair’ in rusty theatres
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has been told by the CQC that it must urgently address the “poor state of repair” of some of its theatres.
Following its latest inspection in November and December 2017, the trust continues to be rated as ‘requires improvement,’ as rating which remains unchanged from its 2014 inspection.
The provider spans three acute sites – St. Mary’s Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital – all of which were found to require improvement.
The commission has told the trust that its Paddington site, St. Mary’s Hospital, must address the “poor state of repair of theatres one to seven with urgent consideration of rust and damage to fixtures,” as well as the low levels of compliance with mandatory training amongst some medical staff, and the disposal and management of hazardous waste.
However, inspectors did note outstanding practice in the major trauma centre within the hospital’s emergency department, which is part of the ‘Redthread’ youth violence intervention programme, ensuring a seven-day service from a youth worker embedded in the hospital.
Charing Cross Hospital’s rating for urgent and emergency care has been lowered to requires improvement, and the CQC has said that it must ensure that there are effective systems for checking airway trolleys and emergency medicines stored in resuscitation bays.
Professor Ted Baker, England’s chief inspector of hospitals, said: “There has been some improvement in care at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the quality of some services are outstanding.
“However, there is still plenty of scope for the ratings of the trust to improve.
“I hope that before future inspections the trust can make further improvements so that it can achieve an overall rating of good rather than requires improvement.”
Top image: Amanda Lewis
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