The minister for Care Quality has expressed his disappointment at hearing today’s (Friday) announcement that Hinchingbrooke Hospital remains in Special Measures.
The publication of a CQC report this morning revealed that the Huntingdon hospital had been given an overall rating of Requires Improvement but the chief inspector of hospitals, professor Sir Mike Richards, recommended it remains in Special Measures as “further work is needed”.
Ben Gummer, minister for Care Quality, told The Hunts Post: “It is encouraging that progress have been made in the leadership and working culture across Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust and that staff have been recognised for their high level of compassionate care. However, I am disappointed that concerns remain on aspects of patient safety. It is now vital the Trust works closely with regulators to put in place the necessary improvements. Patients rightly expect the highest quality care from their local health services, which is why we introduced the CQC’s rigorous inspection regime.”
Mr Gummer confirmed there are currently 16 Trusts in the UK in Special Measures.
Staff at Hinchingbrooke received the news in the early hours of this morning. At the board Trust meeting on Janaury 28, Hinchingbrooke chief executive, Lance McCarty, and hospital chairman, Alan Burns, confirmed they would be hosting sessions with staff throughout the day to discuss the CQC’s findings.
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