Derriford Hospital

We reviewed the learning culture, safe systems, involving people to manage risks, safe environments, safe and effective staffing and infection prevention and control (IPC), quality statements for the safe key question. Treatment and care was not always provided in a safe way. Patients did not have timely access to assessment or treatment. There were long waits for patients in ambulances and within the department. Patient risks were not always monitored safely or effectively following triage. The service could not move patients promptly to medical and surgical wards. Patients experienced delayed discharges. However, staff were doing their best to mitigate risk at a time of very high occupancy in the department.