14.08.19
CQC rates Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust ‘Good’
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has achieved a score of ‘Good’ following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors from the CQC carried out an inspection at the trust between 2 April and 29 May 2019, looking at five of the trust’s core services: medical care (including older people’s care), surgery, inpatient wards for older people with mental health problems, community mental health services for older people and community adult services.
Inspectors also looked at management and leadership, asking whether the trust was well-led – in line with one of the CQC’s key question criteria.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital was rated ‘Outstanding’ overall, improving from its previous rating of ‘Good’.
READ THE FULL CQC REPORT HERE
Inspectors reported improvements to surgery services. Patients received care that was tailored to their preferences and respected their circumstances. Leaders of the service shared a purpose and vision of high-quality care, and motivated staff to succeed, and had a good understanding of the local healthcare economy.
Staff satisfaction was high and patient feedback and challenge was encouraged, so improvements to the service could be made responsively.
Community services for adults was inspected for the first time since it was transferred to the trust two years ago, rated ‘Good’ overall. Community mental health services improved and was also rated ‘Good’.
Wards for older people with mental health problems improved from their previous inspection, when they were rated ‘Inadequate’ but there was still improvements to be made. Despite this, inspectors still noted that staff were caring and compassionate, and actively worked with patients to ensure their care was holistic and recovery-oriented.