The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted how people were waiting up to ten hours after their initial triage before seeing a doctor, reports Marco Marcelline
Fresh concerns have been raised about urgent and emergency services at Whipps Cross Hospital following a Care Quality Commission (CWC) inspection.
The inspection, carried out in May, was intended to review whether Barts Health NHS Trust had made improvements previously ordered by the regulator. While inspectors found that some progress had been made, they warned that key issues around safety and waiting times remain unresolved.
As a result, the hospital’s overall rating for urgent and emergency care stays at “requires improvement”. The same applies to the categories of safety and responsiveness and ratings of “good” for effectiveness, caring, and leadership remain unchanged.
Among the most serious findings were the delays patients face after arriving at the hospital’s emergency department. Inspectors reported that while initial processing was happening more quickly than before, patients were still not being triaged within the national target of 15 minutes.
In some cases, people were waiting up to ten hours after their initial triage before seeing a doctor.
The report noted that the trust has brought in 24-hour security to manage incidents linked to people’s frustration with delays. Staff told inspectors the pressure was taking a toll on morale.
The CQC also criticised the continued use of corridor spaces to accommodate patients, despite efforts to improve privacy with curtains. Male and female patients were not separated in these makeshift areas and often had to share toilet facilities.
In addition, the “fit to sit” area – designed for patients with minor injuries – was described as cramped, with chairs tightly packed together and little privacy.
Another concern highlighted was the limited training for nursing staff in dealing with the significant number of patients presenting with mental health needs. Inspectors said the trust had not ensured all staff were equipped with the skills required, though work is under way with external partners to develop a dedicated training programme.
Despite these challenges, the inspection team noted some positive developments. Staff were praised for treating patients with kindness and respect, even during the busiest periods.
The CQC has ordered Barts Health NHS Trust to provide quarterly action plans detailing how it is addressing the outstanding concerns.
A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust said: “Our teams continue to work hard to provide kind, compassionate care, whilst our department faces significant pressures.
“We are proud of the progress we have made which has been recognised in the report, and we continue to take steps for improvement to ensure patients receive efficient, dignified care in our A&E.”
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