News

Last Keogh review trust taken out of special measures

A Cumbria hospital trust was today taken out of special measures after demonstrating major improvement in its delivery of care to patients to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

This marks the last hospital trust which was originally put into the scheme following Sir Bruce Keogh’s review into trusts with high mortality rates in July 2013 being declared as having made significant improvement to its practices.

Independent review body the CQC inspected North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust and found no areas of the trust’s work were inadequate as it was rated as ‘good’ for the first time. 

Inspectors highlighted impressive improvements to the patient environment and cleanliness, as well as positive changes to the trust’s senior management and approach.

The news follows another Keogh Review trust, the Medway NHS foundation Trust also receiving a glowing review from its CQC inspection earlier this month.

NHS Improvement executive medical director, Dr Kathy McLean gave her congratulations to the staff at the trust, saying that the announcement should come as a “point of pride,” for every single member of staff who has worked hard to improve services at the trust.

“It is a huge achievement to have exited special measures, which is reflected in the improved experience and compassionate care that patients receive at the trust and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate staff for this,” she added.

“There is work still to do of course, and the trust still needs to prioritise improving performance further and restoring financial balance. However, patients and local people can feel some confidence that today's announcement is positive proof that the trust is on its way to tackling those challenges as it moves towards being rated as ‘good’.”

Her colleague Lyn Simpson, NHS Improvement’s executive regional managing director (North), reiterated this message: “This is absolutely a testament to the hard-work and dedication of the trust and each and every member of staff.

“The commitment they have shown to improvements, to the patients under their care, and to every aspect of the services they deliver, has led to this point, and they should be rightly proud of this recognition of those efforts.” 

She concluded by saying that NHS Improvement will continue to work with the trust to ensure the good work and high standards do not slip in the coming months.

Stephen Eames, chief executive at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, stated that the trust “wholeheartedly welcome,” the CQC’s report.

“This is a momentous day for our staff who have been working relentlessly hard for four years to reach this achievement and I am immensely proud of our teams,” he said. “I also hope this milestone assures our local communities across West, North & East Cumbria that their hospitals are providing quality services.”

However, Eames said he was “under no illusions,” that there was still plenty of work for the trust to do to maintain high standards.

“We will continue our close focus alongside our health and social care partners to tackle improving patient flow and ensure patients are receiving care in the right setting which is not always in an acute hospital bed,” he stated.

“Being in special measures has not been an easy label to have and it has affected our staff morale. We have a clear vision for the future and we are continuing to develop our close relationship with local and health and care partners for the benefit of our staff and patients.

“Coming out of special measures is an accolade to our fantastic staff who have worked long and hard to improve services for our patients and the local community.”

Top Image: North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust

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