Nobody that works for the Trust was untouched by the CQC visit in March , the consequences of that visit were far reaching and challenging for all. Whilst disappointing the reaction of all staff across all disciplines has been magnificent reinforcing the commitment of staff in this Trust to providing the highest standards of care, which has been acknowledged publicly and widely by the Board.
I personally want to acknowledge the tremendous effort of staff to re-affirm to the local community and public at large that we want to ensure that everybody who accesses our services receives the best care that we can give. The initial visit by the CQC demonstrated that we don't always get it right but what got lost in the aftermath was the acknowledgment of the good care that was seen during that first visit and that we are constantly striving to get it right each time, every time.
I list below some of the positive comments from the CQC's recent follow up visit which shows what we can do.
''At both hospitals we saw staff engaging positively with patients and being calm and attentive to people's needs. People were all spoken to in an appropriate manner and called by their preferred form of address. In one case we heard a member of the medical team asking a patient if they wanted them to revisit later in the day as they were anxious and may need further reassurance.''
''In another example we observed two staff supporting a person to get up in the morning and they spent approximately 45 minutes with them. The staff provided lots of encouragement and reassurance throughout this time and were very attentive to the person's needs and respected their privacy and dignity.''
''We observed one nurse speaking to a patient saying 'the doctor has told me that you are a bit upset this morning, is there anything I can do for you?' The nurse continued to provide lots of reassurance and let the person know that family members had been in touch and would be visiting shortly. When they had arrived staff made sure they updated them on the situation.''
What we have learnt from this experience can be put to use in our ongoing work to ensure compliance against all the CQC standards with which we must comply. I have listed below those other standards that we need to focus on in the months ahead.
OUTCOME DESCRIPTION OF OUTCOME
1 Respecting & involving people who use services
2 Consent to care and treatment
4 Care and welfare of people who use services
5 Meeting nutritional needs
6 Cooperating with other providers
7 Safeguarding people who use services from abuse
8 Cleanliness and infection control
9 Management of medicines
10 Safety and suitability of premises
11 Safety, availability and suitability of equipment
12 Requirements relating to workers
13 Staffing
14 Supporting workers
16 Accessing and monitoring the quality of service provision
17 Complaints
21 Records
Thank you
Best Wishes
Helen
