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West Yorkshire A&E Rated 'Requires Improvement'
12 Aug
Summary
- A&E unit downgraded due to staff shortages and safety concerns.
- Inspectors found self-harm risks in mental health rooms.
- Patients experienced long waits for care and basic needs.
The Accident & Emergency unit at Calderdale Royal Hospital, serving Halifax, has been downgraded to "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in February. Inspectors found that while staff were hardworking, shortages frequently prevented them from delivering the quality of care patients deserved.
Concerns included patients experiencing prolonged waits for pain relief and even basic hydration, feeling "forgotten about." Some individuals waited over 24 hours for a hospital bed, and risk assessments for fall-prone patients were not always completed. Additionally, rooms intended for mental health patients contained items posing self-harm risks.
The CQC also noted lapses in security, with visitors entering the paediatric emergency department without checks. While the department's safety and effectiveness were rated "requires improvement," it retained "good" ratings for being caring, responsive, and well-led. The Trust has acknowledged the findings and stated actions are underway.
