Southend Trust rated as Requires Improvement

Following hospital inspections in November and December 2017, the Care Quality Commission has rated Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as Requires Improvement.

The trust, which has held that rating since January 2016, was found to be Good regarding whether services were caring, effective and well-led, but required improvement for having and maintaining services that are safe and responsive.

On the whole, the report is positive, highlighting the emergency department’s mobile rapid assessment and treatment team as an example of outstanding practice, noting specifically the way in which the team has helped to improve the flow of patients through the department. Furthermore, the stroke unit’s seven-day trans-ischaemic attack (TIA) clinic was recognised, as were surgery staff and end of life care services.

Ted Baker, Chief Inspector of Hospitals, said: “Across the trust we found caring staff who worked together to meet patients’ needs, deliver treatment competently and who treated patients with dignity and respect. While we found improvements had been made at the trust, and saw a number of areas of outstanding practice, the trust needs to ensure improvements are embedded and sustained. That is why the trust’s overall rating remains as Requires Improvement overall. We have reported our findings to the trust leadership, which knows what it must do to bring about further improvements and ensure it maintains any already made. We will return to check on the trust’s progress.”