We’re delighted our work to improve our A&Es and reduce waiting times has been endorsed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who have raised the ratings for urgent and emergency care at Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital (KGH) from inadequate to requires improvement.

Just last week, NHS data showed that we had improved our emergency care the most in England this year – at least 1,500 more people were seen and treated within four hours in November, compared with January. 

In their reports, following an inspection in October and November, the CQC commented on how senior leaders were visible and approachable; staff felt respected, supported and valued; and they treated patients with compassion and kindness.

The CQC said the patients they spoke to were complimentary about the kindness they received. They quoted one patient who told them, “You cannot fault the staff here. They have been marvellous”. 

Inspectors praised the multidisciplinary focus of our A&E colleagues, stating that they worked together as a team and supported each other to provide good care to patients. They also saw how we collaborated with partners, including “working seamlessly with ambulance staff” and that we had a good relationship with mental health providers.

At both hospitals, ratings for safe and responsive have been raised to requires improvement. At Queen’s, caring and well-led have been raised to good, while effective remains good. KGH’s rating for well-led has been raised to good, while effective and caring, which weren’t previously rated, are good.

We’re grateful to the CQC for highlighting the areas where we need to improve. We have an action plan and, at Queen’s, this work will be helped by the fact we intend to start redesigning the department in the coming months.

Commenting on the inspection reports, Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, said: 

“The improvement in our CQC ratings is a well-deserved Christmas present for our A&E teams at Queen’s and King George hospitals. 

“I was particularly struck by the positive feedback we received about the clinical care in our A&Es. We have excellent clinicians doing their best in what are sometimes very tough circumstances. I am pleased the CQC recognised this and praised our staff for the quality of care at BHRUT.

“I know we need to do more and I’m sorry some people are still waiting too long. However, the inspectors have confirmed that we are heading in the right direction”.

Read Queen's Hospital and King George Hospital's CQC reports.