Hospital set for re-inspection after 'requiring improvement' rating - The Leamington Observer

Hospital set for re-inspection after 'requiring improvement' rating

Leamington Editorial 15th Nov, 2017   0

A RE-INSPECTION is set to be held into healthcare services after South Warwickshire Foundation Trust was rated as ‘requiring improvement’.

Earlier this year the trust – which runs Warwick, Leamington, Stratford and Shipston hospitals along with some community services – was given the low rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

But they have chance to change that score after it was revealed some 20 inspectors will soon carry out an unannounced visit.

Trust chief executive Glen Burley said: “Following the trust’s full inspection our overall rating was ‘requires improvement’.




“This was extremely disappointing as the report highlighted lots of good practice as do many other national indicators.

“I know the staff share our ambition to improve our rating and will endeavour to showcase their services whenever the inspection takes place.”


After last year’s visit by inspectors, hospital bosses disagreed with the score given and appealed the grading.

But they were told they would keep the rating, despite the CQC admitting there was some ‘harsh judgements’ in their report and an independent reviewer saying they could re-inspect the service.

Inspectors had flagged up failures including medicine being kept in unlocked cupboards, incomplete risk assessments and night staff caring for double the recommended amount of patients.

But they also praised some of the trust’s services, including the Central England Rehabilitation Unit (CERU) which supports people who have suffered brain injuries. They were also marked as outstanding for community nursing and the Warwick Hospital A&E department.

The trust is currently rated as requiring improvement in safety, effectiveness and well-led categories but scored good for caring and responsiveness.

It joins 60 per cent of others across the country to be rated as requiring improvement.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Leamington Observer.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Leamington Observer newspaper.