HEALTHCARE watchdogs have increased South Warwickshire Foundation Trust’s performance rating.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors visited the trust last year and after discovering a number of failings rated it as ‘requiring improvement’.
But after a repeat visit in January, the trust – which runs Warwick, Leamington, Stratford and Ellen Badger hospitals – had its rating increased to ‘good’.
Healthcare bosses say they were especially pleased as inspectors visited while Warwick Hospital was very busy and under ‘extreme winter pressures’.
Inspectors have now rated the trust as good in effective, caring, responsive and well-led categories. It is still rated as requiring improvement for whether services are safe.
Chief executive Glen Burley says the trust will continue to make improvements.
He said: “I have always known our teams deliver first class care, so I am delighted we now have a rating more reflective of the high quality services we provide.
“The CQC report highlights lots of positive findings, which I am extremely proud of.
“We should however strive for even higher standards and to support this we are taking on board all of the points raised by the CQC and addressing their recommendations. We are also reviewing our strategy and firmly placing innovation at the heart of everything we do.
“We employ some of the most dedicated, talented and compassionate staff in the country and this is what makes the trust so special.”
CQC chief inspector Ted Baker said he was impressed with much of the care provided by the trust.
He said: “On our return we found a number of improvements had been made since our previous inspection and the trust is now rated as good overall.
“During our inspection we noted a number of areas of outstanding practice. The trust has also received national recognition for its work in maternity services in giving all round care to women and their babies.
“However there were areas where the trust must make further improvements. Work is particularly needed at the trust to ensure it does everything it can and has the right processes in place to ensure all of its services are safe.”
The trust has been told staff must continue to work on areas including the safe storage and administration of medicine and infection control.
But inspectors flagged up areas of ‘outstanding’ practice such as end of life services and maternity care.
SWFT chairman Russell Hardy said: “It is fantastic the trust is now formally recognised by the CQC for the high quality services it provides.
” I am always inspired by the teams at the trust and think this new rating is a true reflection of all of their hard work.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only the teams at the trust, but all of the dedicated volunteers that tirelessly support us and provide vital services.”
