The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the urgent and emergency care services at Queen’s and King George hospitals as ‘inadequate’ following recent inspections.
Inspectors visited both A&E departments, several wards and the radiology department at King George Hospital (KGH) in November last year. Their findings are available on the CQC website.
While the urgent and emergency care services have been rated as ‘inadequate’, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) overall has been rated ‘requires improvement’.
In its report, published on 10 February, the CQC acknowledged that local system pressures, including capacity in primary care, mental health and community services, is contributing to the long waits and pressures seen at the hospitals.
NHS North East London is working closely with BHRUT, as well as other health and care organisations, to support the trust to make improvements.
Zina Etheridge, Chief Executive of NHS North East London, said: “Following the CQC inspections at Queen’s and King George hospitals, health and care partners in north east London took immediate action to address the issues raised and are now working closely with colleagues at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) to make improvements.
“In early December we convened a quality summit with BHRUT, healthcare providers and local authorities, along with NHS England and the CQC, to develop an extensive plan of action by all partners within the health and social care system to address these pressing concerns.
“A number of measures have already been put in place and are having an impact. By working together with our partners, we will tackle the long waits and ensure we provide better, safer care for patients.”
