NHS trust makes changes after rating downgrade

The recent inspection was focused solely on leadership and culture

An NHS trust said it had taken a "hard look" at the way it was being run after inspectors judged its management as needing improvement.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) downgraded the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust's rating in one area - how well led it was - after a visit in February.

It said there was poor communication, discrimination and a lack of staff confidence when raising concerns but also noted "encouraging signs of progress" after a change in leadership.

The trust's chief executive officer Steve Grange said he believed changes already made had given it a "solid platform to move forward on".

The trust is responsible for delivering a number of NHS services in the community, including physical and mental health, and specialist services.

It also runs the Cavell Centre in Peterborough, and Fulbourn Hospital in Cambridge, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The inspection was made after concerns about culture and leadership were flagged during previous inspections at three of its mental health services.

CQC deputy regional director of operations Stuart Dunn said: "While the trust had begun to take steps to improve culture and inclusion, leadership arrangements weren't fully embedded or consistently effective, which is important to deliver meaningful impact for staff and people using services."

Speaking at a meeting of the trust's board of directors, Mr Grange said the CQC report "marks a moment in time" and the trust had responded to make improvements.

He said he was "delighted" some of the changes had been accepted by the CQC.

Mr Grange recognised the references in the report to views shared by staff and said while it was "difficult to read", it was a "true reflection of where the organisation has been".

He said: "The CQC report is a reflection of where the organisation has come from, but does not determine where the organisation is going."