The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has praised improvements at the local hospital trust.
The Barking, Havering, Redbridge University Hospitals Trust came out of special measures last year.
The CQC now says services at Queen’s and King George’s Hospitals are continuing to improve.
Surgery, maternity and medical care were three areas that have received an improved “good” rating.
The trust still ‘requires improvement’ overall, as the targeted inspection was of only four services.
Joe Fielder, the trust’s chair, commented: “I am very grateful that the Care Quality Commission has recognised the significant improvements that have been made at our trust.
“I and everyone at BHRUT are keen to see this good work continue and I would like to thank our partners for all their support as we strive to achieve our vision of providing outstanding care for our patients”.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive at the trust, said: “While it has been a difficult period for our trust, and for the NHS as a whole, I am really pleased that this report captures some of the excellent work being delivered by our staff every day. To have three of four services – surgery, maternity and medical care – improve their ratings is extremely pleasing.
“It shows we are maintaining and sustaining the improvements our staff have made, with the help of our patients, partners and key stakeholders, and we remain committed to continuing our journey towards outstanding.
“The report identifies some issues which we are already aware of and working to resolve – such as the continuing challenges presented by our vacancy rates for medical and nursing colleagues, and we also take on board the points raised about recent instability within the trust’s leadership, which we are also tackling.
“While this inspection only focused on four services, the picture it paints reflects progress across the trust, ensuring patients are at the centre of everything we do, and we will continue to ensure that this is the case.”
Kathryn Halford OBE, Chief Nurse, added: “I am pleased that this report shows our continued progress, and that the commitment of our staff to provide high quality care shines though, as reflected by our improved ratings.
“It is very encouraging to hear that patients say we treat them with dignity and respect, that we involve them in their care, and provide emotional support. These are things to be proud of.
“We are particularly pleased that many of the very positive things identified by the CQC are equally applicable to other areas of our trust which were not inspected this time. I have already written to the CQC asking them to return as soon as they can, so as to gauge the progress we believe we continue to make in every area of our trust.”
Tags: Romford, Havering, Redbridge, Ilford, BHRUT, Hospital, Barking and Dagenham
