The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report following a focused inspection of acute services at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust looking at infection prevention and control (IPC).
Inspectors visited Arrowe Park Hospital in February where they observed IPC measures and spoke with staff and patients. Inspectors visited wards 11, 22 and 33, as well as the emergency department, acute medicine unit, urgent medical assessment centre and the discharge hospitality centre. They also observed public areas and staff rooms to check social distancing practices were being followed.
Inspectors found that staff at all levels were clear about their roles and accountabilities in relation to IPC. Governance structures and the communication within them ensured that changes and learning supported patient safety across the trust.
Due to the focus of the inspection, the overall rating of Arrowe Park Hospital did not change and remains as Requires Improvement.
CQC’s north west head of hospital inspection, Karen Knapton, said:
“When inspectors visited Arrowe Park Hospital, they were impressed by the effective processes in place to support standards of infection prevention and control in order to keep patients safe.
“The trust had developed a COVID-19 safety bag. This was a paper bag, including masks, wipes and hand gel, which was given to all patients. The trust told us this had been received well by patients and visitors.
“Staff told us about daily huddles to discuss infection prevention and control including responsibilities, any problems identified and recent incidents.
“It was reassuring to find that staff felt respected, supported and valued and that there was an open culture where staff could raise any concerns without fear.”
Full details of the inspection are given in the report published here.
Ends
For enquiries about this press release please email regional.engagement@cqc.org.uk.
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here (Please note: the duty press officer is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters).
For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.