CQC reports biggest NHS trust failing on quality of care and patient safety

Barts Health Trust in London has been rated as inadequate on issues including the number of cancelled operations and staff shortages.

The trust was found to be critically understaffed, focused too little on safety, and had too few beds which led to numerous cancelled operations.

In the CQC’s report, it said “Overall, this trust was rated inadequate. We identified significant concerns in safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and with the leadership of the trust. We found that caring at this trust requires improvement.”

CQC inspectors also found evidence of a blame culture, bullying, poor staff morale, and patients being placed on wards that were not appropriate for their medical needs.

The trust’s chief medical office, Steve Ryan, said “We are very sorry for the failings identified by the CQC in some of our services at Newham and Royal London Hospitals. We know we have a big challenge ahead but we are determined to rise to that challenge.”

He added that “rapid and dramatic improvements in key areas” are underway. For example, a recruitment drive is underway by the trust for 500 additional permanent nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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