Barts to come out of special measures
Inspection Report
In its latest inspection report on London's largest acute provider, the CQC said Barts still 'requires improvement', but the trust had improved across three out of the five quality areas measured.
The month long CQC inspection in September and October 2018 rated the trust 'good' overall for effectiveness, care and leadership but 'requires improvement' for safety and responsiveness.
Concerns
The report highlighted persistent concerns about Newham University Hospital's maternity services, rated 'inadequate' and given a warning notice. Problems of bullying were also reported at Whipps Cross Hospital.
The £1.5bn turnover trust remains in financial special measures with an underlying deficit of £138.3m, a slight improvement of £139.8m in 2017-18.
The trust has been in a 'special measures' regime since 2015 following a highly damning inspection report.
Improvements
In its latest report, CQC inspectors said the standard of care across core services had 'fundamentally improved' with staff 'more consistently delivering patient care with kindness and dignity' however the trust were not meeting national waiting times across urgent and emergency care.
Inpectors found serious incident investigations at the trust were not completed within agreed time frames and infection control was variable. Some premises were 'not always suitable for patients' and responses to complaints were not always timely.
Outstanding Practice
The report highlighted areas of outstanding practice including the Royal London Hospital trauma teams, tailored support for patients with learning disabilities before surgery and improved care for frail patients at Whipps Cross Hospital. The Royal London Hospital dental hospital also performed 'above average'.
About Barts
Barts Health NHS Trust treats almost a million patients a year across five sites in East London and accounts for for 1.5% of hospital activity in England and treats close to a million patients every year.
The trust includes St Bartholomhew's Hospital in the City of London, the Royal London Hospital, Whipps Cross Hospital, Newham University Hospital and Mile End Hospital.
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Barts Health NHS Trust CQC report 2019
Barts Health NHS Trust Use of Resources report 2019
