Hospital trust ‘disappointed’ to be in ‘special measures’ but say improvements have been made

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust chief executive Jane Lewington pointed to the fact that today’s Care Quality Commission report highlights that staff are caring, supportive and friendly towards patients.

Although the body is in special measures she feels the CQC recognises the work the trust has done to bring about improvements in the past year.

She said: “We and all our staff are disappointed to have not come out of special measures. But what is really important is that due to the hard work and commitment from all our staff in just 10 months, we have made big improvements to the quality and safety of our care.

“This has helped us reduce our mortality figures which are now below the national average and at their lowest level for 5 years.

“Patients can be confident in the quality of care they receive at our trust.

The CQC’s report recognises the real and significant progress the trust has made. Staff have worked incredibly hard to make big improvements to patient safety, we have increased staffing levels with a strong focus on patient care, and listened and responded to patients’ views. 

“The CQC reports shows we have a majority of ‘good’ ratings – 63 compared to 45 ‘requires improvement’.

“I am also delighted and proud that the CQC recognised just how caring our staff are in everything they do. This is a marked improvement from the Keogh Review and CQC inspections last year.”

“We know we still have more work to do, we have been very open about this. We’re still on our quality improvement journey.

“As a trust, we are now focusing on recruiting more doctors, delivering a medical engagement strategy, rolling out 7 day working to more areas, reviewing booking systems and capacity at outpatients at Lincoln, and planning to redesign services through Lincolnshire Health and Care.”

Ron Buchanan, trust chairman, said: “The trust board is fully committed to delivering high-quality care for patients. The progress made in such a short period of time is testament to the strong leadership from senior managers and all colleagues pulling together in the best interests of patients. With The TDA’s ongoing support and wider support of our partners, I am confident we will come out of special measures in 6 months’ time”.

Jeff Worrall, portfolio director for the NHS Trust Development Authority said: “We are pleased that the CQC has acknowledged the significant improvements made by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, outlined by the inspection report.

“Staff at the trust have worked very hard over the last year to get to this point, and it’s important that their achievements in improving care for their patients have been recognised.

“The NHS TDA will continue to support the Trust as they progress further improvements to sustain high quality care on a long-term basis.”

Over the next 28 days, the trust will agree an action plan, with support from TDA and our CCGs, to further improve the quality of services for patients at United Lincolnshire hospitals.