Lincoln Hospital inspected after medication error
Two children were given too much medication
Last updated 3rd Aug 2023
A new report has raised concerns over a lack of bespoke equipment to meet the needs of children at Lincoln Hospital.
An unannounced inspection of the Children and Young People core service at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust was carried out on May 31, 2023, prompted by concerns about the safety and quality of the service.
The CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspection report, released today, identifies areas for improvement.
Notably, the service did not have bespoke equipment needed to meet the individualised needs of a child.
The report cites an instance where a child did not have space to keep their wheelchair on the ward and had no access to a specialised shower chair.
In response to these findings, the Trust has taken swift action.
Professor Karen Dunderdale, Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We are in the process of making sure we have the extra specialist equipment needed.”
The report also highlights two incidents where children were administered too much medication, which identified the need for further training.
In response, the trust ensured all staff received resuscitation training, in line with the action plan.
Despite these concerns, the report also highlights several positive aspects of the Trust’s operations. It commends the service for having systems and processes to prescribe and administer medicines safely, and for having enough staff to care for children and young people and keep them safe.
“Staff learned from medicine incidents to improve practice,” the report states.
Professor Dunderdale added: “The report found that we administer medicines safely, are well-staffed, and learn from incidents to improve practice.
“Overall, the report describes the CYP services positively and the previous rating of Good still remains in place.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of this inspection showing that we provide the level of care our children and young people in Lincolnshire need and deserve.”