IMPROVEMENTS at the Hospital of St Cross have earned it a rating of ‘Good’ by the national heath watchdog.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recognised ‘significant improvements’ at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, which runs St Cross and its sister hospital University Hospital Coventry.
Following an inspection last autumn, the CQC’s report singled out improvements at St Cross’ Outpatients department, along with University Hospital’s Urgent and Emergency Care, Maternity, Critical Care and Medical Care services.
Staff at the Trust, which was previously rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ by the CQC in 2018, welcomed it’s overall Good rating.
Chief executive officer Professor Andy Hardy said: “We’re delighted the hard work and improvements made since our last inspection have been recognised by the CQC.
“We are very proud of our skilled employees and the professional and dedicated way in which they provide the highest levels of care and compassion.
“This was recognised by the CQC, who praised staff for being ‘fully committed and passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for patients’.
“Our aim is to offer the best possible patient experience and to be a national and international leader in healthcare. This report shows we are achieving real progress.”
Inspectors also complimented the ‘very open and transparent’ culture of the organisation, and how it plans and manages services by engaging with patients, staff, equality groups, the public and partner organisations.
They highlighted areas of ‘outstanding practice’ across the Trust including management of referral to treatment waiting times, a proactive patient safety response team, effective prioritisation of patients requiring urgent and emergency, support for critical care staff development, and University Hospital’s ‘world-class’ miscarriage research.
Stella Manzie DBE, chair of the Trust’s board of directors, said the improved rating was evidence of the positive impact of its ongoing UHCWi Programme, which has seen it work with the Virginia Mason Institute in America over the last five years to improve patient care and reduce waste.
She added: “While the report contains a great number of positives, there is still room for improvement and we will continue working on every aspect of the Trust’s services and with our partners across Coventry and Warwickshire to strengthen the Health and Social Care system as a whole.
“We would like to thank everyone who works for the Trust for the pride and expertise they continue to show in providing the best care possible.”
Visit www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RKB to read the full report.
