Six months to put hospital straight (From Thurrock Gazette)

Six months to put hospital straight

8:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

BASILDON Hospital has been given six months to correct failings following a health watchdog inspection.

The Care Quality Commission issued an enforcement notice after a three-day unannounced inspection, following up concerns over the care provided in the hospital’s paediatric department.

It found the hospital did not have a system in place to “identify and address trends in incidents”, and staff were often unaware of their responsibilities.

The inspection, which took place in January, highlighted flaws in cleanliness and infection control standards.

Officials found cleaning levels were not consistent on all wards with some medical equipment, including breastfeeding pumps, syringe drivers and infusion pumps, not cleaned after use.

The hospital also had a lack of isolation cubicles for young children with suspected infections.

Further findings from the health watchdog revealed the hospital was not meeting acceptable standards of care and welfare because of delays in treatment and a lack of senior staff on children’s wards.

The inspection came after the Government announced a review into the quality of care provided by 14 hospital trusts in England following the publication of the Francis Report into 1,200 deaths at Staffordshire Hospital.

Despite its concerns, the Care Quality Commission noted significant improvements in medical and nursing leadership and a “changing culture” at the hospital.

Complaints, nutritional needs, medicine management and staff levels were acceptable.

Clare Panniker, chief executive of Basildon Hospital, pictured above, said: “We take great heart in the positive comments contained in the report, but are disappointed we still have an enforcement notice in place.

“However, this relates to areas of governance rather than direct patient care and we have started to address these weaknesses.

“I am particularly pleased all 70 patients the inspection team spoke to while on site were universally happy and positive about the care they were receiving.

“We have every confidence in succeeding.”