16 June 2011
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched an investigation into concerns about the care provided by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust at Pilgrim Hospital.
A report on the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, documenting some of the findings which led to the investigation, and detailing failures to meet essential standards of care is published today (Thursday, 16 June).
The report highlights major concerns with essential standards relating to the care and welfare of people who use services and meeting nutritional needs.
Following an inspection in February, CQC ordered the trust to make improvements. However, the Commission was not satisfied with the speed with which the trust responded, or with the trust’s ability to proactively identify and address problems.
In addition, there are currently several safeguarding investigations in progress relating to abuse and neglect allegations at the trust. CQC is working closely with the police and local authority with regard to these.
As a result of all of these issues, CQC is now investigating what systems and procedures are in place at the trust to ensure people are protected against the risk of inappropriate or unsafe care and treatment.
The investigation will involve speaking to patients, relatives and frontline staff and observing the care delivered by the trust. It will also involve gathering evidence through examination of records and requesting written statements, as well as looking at the role of commissioning bodies.
Andrea Gordon, CQC’s regional director for the East and West Midlands, said the trust had sought to improve standards following previous feedback; some improvements have already been made and the trust has taken action in relation to concerns, including closing one of its wards temporarily. However, the trust needs to demonstrate that it has the right procedures in place to identify and mitigate risk before issues are raised by external bodies – and to meet standards required by law.
She said: “While United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has already taken some action in relation to issues we highlighted, we are concerned that the trust had not recognised these itself or acted upon them with more urgency.
“The CQC has launched this investigation to determine whether the correct procedures are in place at the trust to pick up problems and make changes quickly so that people receive safe and appropriate care. If they are not, we will require the trust to make improvements.”
The report highlighted major concerns with essential standards relating to the care and welfare of people who use services and meeting nutritional needs.
Earlier this month, CQC inspectors carried out a further inspection at the trust and found that some improvements in these areas had been made. CQC will continue to monitor the trust to ensure this progress is sustained and accelerated.
Once the investigation is complete, CQC will publish its findings. If the investigation identifies further serious concerns about the trust’s ability to meet essential standards of quality and safety on a sustainable basis, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
Ends
For further information please contact regional communications manager, Louise Grifferty on 07717 422917.
The CQC press office in London is also available on 0207 448 9401 or out of hours on 07917 232 143.
Notes to editors
Read the report
Read the reports from our checks on standards at Pilgrim Hospital.