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NHS Trust's Care Rating Plummets
15 Apr
Summary
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust's rating dropped.
- Senior leaders lacked systems for ensuring patient safety.
- Staff reported bullying, discrimination, and fear of speaking up.
The leadership of a major NHS trust in England has seen its rating significantly reduced. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported that standards of care at the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) have declined since its last inspection.
According to the CQC, senior leaders did not consistently implement effective systems and processes to guarantee patient safety. This downgrade follows an inspection conducted in the autumn, which, while noting instances of great partnership working, also identified 'pockets of poor culture' within the trust.
Specific findings in the CQC report indicated that safeguarding concerns were not always accurately reported to local authorities, leading to confusion among staff about reporting protocols. Furthermore, high rates of vacancies and sickness contributed to an increased reliance on temporary staff. Some employees also reported that bullying and discrimination needed addressing.
Staff voiced concerns that decisions were made without adequate consultation with those directly providing care, and some felt unsafe expressing their concerns. The chief executive acknowledged the findings and stated that the trust has already initiated measures to address these issues, including improving how staff are heard and involved in decision-making.
