Three quarters of NHS hospitals are 'unsafe' according to new report
A new report by the Care Quality Commission found 61 per cent of the hospitals they surveyed required improvement on patient safety - and 13 per cent were deemed 'inadequate'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nearly three quarters of NHS hospitals have been branded "unsafe" for patients in a damning report by the Care Quality Commission.
A total of 74 per cent of the 150 hospital trusts inspected by the health regulator in the past year have been classed as "requires improvement" or "inadequate" when it comes to ensuring patient safety.
The report said: "Our inspections have highlighted examples of poor safety cultures, a lack of processes and, in some cases, disregard for patients’ safety."
They highlighted several concerns in particular such as instances where non-medically trained staff such as A&E receptionists were being forced to triage patients because there were no medical staff available.
They also highlighted incomplete safety checks, disregard for infection control practices, ineffective management of medicines and staff not receiving essential training.
Overall, two thirds of NHS hospitals were deemed to be "requiring improvement" or "inadequate" in the annual State of Care report.
The CQC’s chief executive, David Behan, said: "A key concern has been the safety of the care – a failure to learn when things go wrong, or not having the right number of staff in place with the right skills.
"Where people are not receiving the quality of care they deserve, we will demand action – and we are now able to demonstrate that half of services have improved following re-inspection. Some services may need further support to improve, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure this happens."
Patient safety in numbers
Out of the 150 healthcare trusts surveyed, the CQC found
- 13 per cent of trusts were "inadequate"
- 61 per cent of trusts "required improvement"
- 26 per cent of trusts were rated as "good"
- None of the trusts were deemed as "outstanding" on patient safety
But Katherine Murphy, the chief executive of the Patients Association campaign group, told the Daily Mail she found the figures "worrying".
She said: "It is worrying to see that there is still such variation in the quality of care being delivered.
"This cannot continue. The safety of patients should be the primary concern of all healthcare professionals."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments