Home / Health / NHS Trust Exits Special Measures After Scandal
NHS Trust Exits Special Measures After Scandal
5 Mar
Summary
- NHS trust exits special measures after substantial and sustained improvement.
- Maternity scandal found catastrophic failures, potentially causing over 200 baby deaths.
- The trust runs two hospitals serving half a million people in Shropshire and Wales.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has officially exited special measures, signifying a period of "substantial and sustained improvement" since November 2018. This exit follows a comprehensive review by NHS England that acknowledged the trust's demonstrable progress in key areas.
The trust was initially placed under special measures due to significant concerns regarding its maternity and emergency care services. A 2018 inspection found safety concerns in maternity and urgent care, with other services needing improvement. A later report in 2022 highlighted catastrophic failures in maternity services.
SaTH, which operates the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital, serves approximately half a million people across Shropshire and parts of Wales. Over the past eighteen months, the trust has seen significant gains, ranking among the top improvers nationally for elective recovery.
Improvements are noted in maternity and neonatal services, alongside enhanced financial performance and reduced cancer waiting times. While celebrating this significant milestone, the trust's chief executive emphasized that the journey of improvement is ongoing, with plans for continued progress and a commitment to learning.
In recognition of its achievements, particularly in cutting waiting times, the trust also received £2 million in government funding in December. NHS England Midlands expressed delight at the trust meeting this milestone, attributing success to visionary leadership.
