Trust says 'significant improvements under way' following critical CQC report

Barts Health NHS Trust has said it is making ‘significant improvements’ after urgent and emergency services at Whipps Cross University Hospital were rated requires improvement by the CQC.

(c) Markus Winkler/Pixabay

(c) Markus Winkler/Pixabay

Following an inspection in July, a warning notice was issued to improve people's safety after patients were found waiting up to 72 hours to be given beds.

In an update following the inspection, the trust said it was improving infection, prevention and control practices, including putting on extra training, monitoring standards and managing the use of medicines. The trust has installed privacy curtains in corridor areas to support patient dignity and said it was working towards eliminating corridor care altogether.

Barts said the number of patients in ambulance handover areas were being limited to reduce overcrowding and waiting times and a new space for up to 17 patients had been opened for people awaiting admission.

In addition, a new Rapid Assessment and Treatment trial has been launched to ensure patients arriving at A&E are seen promptly by a clinician, prioritising the most urgent cases to reduce delays in care.

A dedicated improvement director for urgent and emergency care has been appointed and the trust is collaborating with partners, including local primary care networks and NELFT, to reduce unnecessary A&E visits, improve use of the Urgent Treatment Centre, support timely discharges and reduce mental health patient wait times.

The trust said it was also working with the London Ambulance Service to ensure better access to Same Day Emergency Care, providing treatment without always going through A&E and recruiting more nurses, doctors and other key roles to deliver high-quality care.

Chief executive Dr Amanjit Jhund said: ‘Our priority is to provide safe, high-quality care, and the changes we've made show our commitment to improvement. As we prepare for winter, we remain focused on ensuring swift, safe, and dignified care, with further progress guided by patient and colleague feedback.'

Work progressing on £25m hospital upgrade

Work progressing on £25m hospital upgrade

By Lee Peart 24 April 2025

Work is progressing on a £25m project to improve, extend and modernise Clacton Hospital.

Violence against ambulance staff reaches record levels

By Liz Wells 24 April 2025

Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) is calling for further interventions as violent incidents against ambulance staff reach more than 22,500 a y...

'One stop' service reduces cancer waiting times

By Lee Peart 24 April 2025

A one-stop service at Nightingale Hospital Exeter is helping patients get a quicker diagnosis for a rare type of cancer.


Popular articles by Lee Peart