The findings of a probe into hospital failings have been revealed.
The review, which was commissioned in the wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal, investigated a total of 14 hospitals which had higher than average mortality rates in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
Of these, 11 have put placed on special measures, so entrenched are the problems. The other three have been told to make improvements, although it is felt they are capable of making changes without external assistance.
The 11 trusts now on special measures are:
- Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
- Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
- Medway NHS Foundation Trust
- North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt told Parliament these trusts have staffing problems, poor care and weak leadership. More specific examples of failings include patients being left on trolleys, poor maintenance in operating theatres and low levels of clinical cover.
Teams of external experts will now be sent to each of the 11 trusts to work with senior management teams. Regular progress reports will also be given. Mr Hunt said this “swift and tough action” would give hospitals the “necessary support to improve.”
The investigation was conducted by NHS England’s medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh. He said: “these reviews have been highly rigorous and uncovered previously undisclosed problems.
“Mediocrity is simply not good enough and, based on the findings from this review I have set out an achievable ambition which will help these hospitals improve dramatically over the next two years.”
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