L&D Hospital celebrates '˜good' rating from health watchdog

Luton & Dunstable Hospital has cause for celebration after it picked up a '˜good' rating from health watchdog Care Quality Commission.
Luton & Dunstable HospitalLuton & Dunstable Hospital
Luton & Dunstable Hospital

Inspectors visited the hospital from January 19-21, then dropped back in twice more for unannounced check-ups.

In a report published on Friday they praised staff for their compassion and empathy and noted that outcomes are above average when compared to other acute trusts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Across the five areas of the inspection the L&D was awarded two ‘outstanding’ ratings, two ‘good’ and one ‘requires improvement’.

In particular the report notes dramatic improvements made within the L&D’s emergency department (ED).

It states: “The leadership team in ED over the past five years had transformed the service from one of the worst performing ED’s in the country, to one of best performing nationally.

“This significant improvement in performance, despite a continuing rise in year on year attendances, had been recognised at a national level by senior NHS and government leaders.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the positives inspectors pointed out improvements that can be made to the L&D’s critical care – in particular the high dependency unit where it was found that medicines were not being safely prescribed and administered.

On the hospital’s overall ‘good’ rating, L&D chief executive Pauline Philip said: “We are delighted to receive such a positive recognition from the CQC.

“The report is an acknowledgement of the tremendous commitment and hard work shown by our staff consistently over many years.

”I am also pleased to report that the organisation has already focused on the areas which the CQC inspectors identified as needing improvement and that significant progress has already been achieved.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

CQC chief inspectorof hospitals, Sir Mike Richards, added: “The trust can be proud of the services that it manages.

“Overwhelmingly staff were positive about working at the trust and they talked about being proud of their workplace and the care they delivered.”

Related topics: