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Leaders’ “clear commitment” means trust could come out of special measures

Leaders’ “clear commitment” means trust could come out of special measures
30 July 2015



England's chief inspector of hospitals recommended that Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust in Norfolk is the latest trust to come out of special measures.

Professor Sir Mike Richards said there have been “sufficient improvements” – particularly in medical care, in the emergency department and in the overall leadership – following a Care Quality Commission inspection.

England's chief inspector of hospitals recommended that Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust in Norfolk is the latest trust to come out of special measures.

Professor Sir Mike Richards said there have been “sufficient improvements” – particularly in medical care, in the emergency department and in the overall leadership – following a Care Quality Commission inspection.

The trust was placed into special measures in October 2013, following “serious failings” in leadership and the quality and safety of care.

Richards said: "This is the latest example of what can be achieved by a trust in special measures when there is a clear commitment from the senior leadership team to improve the quality of care, a concerted effort by staff and there is a package of support.

"There have been improvements in most of the services we looked at. Our inspectors particularly noted the new leadership, which has a clear vision and strategy for the future of the trust,” he added.

The inspectors noted outstanding practice including a well-designed children's waiting area in the emergency department, an organised, high-quality paediatric team and midwifery staff's “clear commitment” to develop effective midwifery services by working in different areas to maintain their knowledge and skills.

If Monitor accepts the recommendation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn will be the eighth trust taken out of special measures since the regime began in July 2013.

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