Inspection finds wide-spread improvements at Lincolnshire's Hospitals
Both Lincoln and Boston had their safety and quality of services assessed
An inspection's found wide-spread improvements at Lincolnshire's Hospitals.
Both Lincoln and Boston had their safety and quality of services looked at.
Most of the Trusts criteria is now rated 'good,' but the overall score is still 'requires improvement."
Ted Baker, Chief Inspector of Hospitals said:
“Our inspection of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust found many areas that had improved since we last inspected which is good news for people receiving care. I would like to congratulate the trust and all its staff for the progress they have made. It is particularly impressive set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The trust has had historic issues, particularly regarding concerns with Pilgrim Hospital’s urgent and emergency department and maternity services and was in special measures for several years. Staff and their leaders must be commended for the steps they’ve taken towards improving patient care in these previously troubled areas.
“We rated well-led as good. Leaders across the trust understood the challenges that staff were facing and worked hard to support colleagues in a compassionate way.
“We saw a marked improvement across maternity, medical care and services for children and young people. Staff morale had improved with initiatives in place to promote wellbeing. For example, staff on the maternity ward could share positive messages and feedback to their colleagues by leaving messages in a ‘Ta jar’. These messages were then shared directly with individuals which made them feel respected and valued.
“While widespread improvements had been made, there are still concerns regarding access and flow in the urgent and emergency department at Lincoln County Hospital. People continued to experience delays in accessing the service and receiving care promptly. Waiting times from referral to treatment and arrangements to admit, treat and discharge patients were still below national standards.
“I recognise the enormous pressure NHS services are under across the country, especially in the urgent and emergency department, but it is important they do all they can to mitigate risks to patient safety while facing these pressures.
“We continue to monitor the trust closely and leaders know where we expect to see improvements and where to sustain areas where good patient care is already being delivered.”
ULHT Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan said:
“We are really pleased that the huge effort that everyone has put into providing and improving services, particularly over the past two years, has been recognised. The CQC has recognised the significant improvements we have made in the quality and safety of our services since the last inspection in 2019. They have commented that this was particularly impressive against the COVID backdrop. Positive comments were also made about the Trust having a strong cohesive team with collective leadership at Board level.
"Whilst widespread improvements had been made, we acknowledge there are still concerns regarding access and flow in the urgent and emergency department at Lincoln County Hospital. People continued to experience delays in accessing the service and receiving care promptly. Waiting times from referral to treatment and arrangements to admit, treat and discharge patients were still below national standards.
"We are determined to take this feedback and make further significant improvements across the Trust, for the benefit of our staff and patients.
"I want to say a big thank you to all our staff and partners who have come together over the past few years to help us to improve our services for the people of Lincolnshire. There is still more to be done but we are heading in the right direction.”