Care Quality Commission finds improvements but more work to do at St George’s
Warning Notice issued to Trust last year has now been lifted
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found some improvements at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after returning to the Trust for a focused inspection earlier this year.
The inspection, which took place over three days in May, assessed the progress the Trust had made towards meeting the requirements of a Warning Notice issued after a comprehensive inspection by the CQC in June 2016.
The CQC found that the Trust has partially met the requirements of the Warning Notice, and has made significant improvements in some areas. The Warning Notice has also now been lifted.
These relate to best interest decisions about patients; the management of medicines; the way we manage and investigate serious incidents; and improvements to our estate, premises and equipment.
However, the CQC’s inspection report also said that the Trust still needs to make further improvements with regard to the fit and proper person’s requirement; estates maintenance; as well as accuracy of referral to treatment data and governance.
Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of the Trust, said:
“The findings of this inspection show that we are taking action where improvement is required.
“For example, we’ve made a huge amount of headway with improving our estate, including closing six buildings that were not fit for purpose; replacing our energy centre; and starting a theatre refurbishment programme.
“All improvements noted by the inspectors reflect the hard work and commitment of our staff who always want to do their best for patients.
“However, the inspectors confirmed that there is still a lot more to do – particularly with regard to some of our systems and processes and, most important of all, management of referral to treatment data. These are issues that we are taking very seriously, as they are important for providing safe and effective care for our patients.”
Click here to access a copy of the CQC’s report.
