Stepping Hill Hospital praised for A&E improvements

A hospital rated inadequate by inspectors two years ago has been praised for making improvements.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has welcomed changes in urgent and emergency care at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

The trust said the report was a "testament" to its staff's hard work.

The CQC's unannounced inspection in November was carried out to check improvements had been made since a previous visit in August 2020.

Among the concerns highlighted previously were patients left at high risk of harm during periods of heavy demand, staff shortages and staff who were "not competent for their roles".

The new report said inspectors found urgent and emergency care had improved from inadequate to good overall and for being safe and well-led.

"It has gone from requires improvement to good for being effective and caring. Responsive has gone from inadequate to requires improvement," the report said.

Karen Knapton, CQC's head of hospital inspections, said: "We acknowledge the efforts of the emergency care team at Stepping Hill Hospital. We found staff provided good care and treated people with compassion and kindness."

"They gave patients, their families and carers help, emotional support and advice when they needed it. Also, the service has been tailored to meet individual needs, including those living with dementia or a learning disability. "

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Source: BBC News, 12 January 2022