Today the CQC has released their latest inspection report which advises that Medway NHS Foundation Trust remains in Special Measures. Although the CQC found the hospital to be “good” in terms of caring for patients, it continues to judge the hospital to be inadequate overall and highlights a number of areas for improvement.
Kelly has commented on the report,
“The outcome of the CQC’s report finding Medway NHS Foundation Trust Inadequate and remaining in Special Measures is of course very disappointing. It is not good enough that this key part of our local health service is not up to scratch for Medway’s residents who rely on its vital support.
The inspection took place in August, and under the leadership of the new chief executive Leslie Dwyer immediate steps were taken to address findings and take further action to improve. I am encouraged as since August we have seen the re-modelling of the A&E department opened, and there is now a new clinical leadership structure and operation structure in place.
I was at the hospital on Tuesday with my father, and whilst the nurses and doctors are under great pressure, they remain committed to turning the hospital around, there are many dedicated people working extremely hard to deliver improvement, for many years our hospital has suffered with poor leadership and instability.
However, while immediate concerns around safety and effective, compassionate care have been addressed for the time being, it is clear there is some way to go to satisfy the underlying issues. Other key partners within our local health economy need to also play their part including CCG, NHS England, Medway Council to support our hospital to move forward. I still believe Medway Maritime Hospital is in need of further investment and restructuring in terms of its capacity failures. Looking forward I hope to see these final issues resolved with the speed and efficiency residents of Medway require and deserve.”
Link to the CQC Report can be found at: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RPA02?referer=widget3
*Photo is from my visit on the 13th November when I looked at plans of remodelling Medway Maritime's A&E.