Hospital managers criticised by health watchdog

The report found leaders' behaviour at Leeds Teaching Hospitals did not align with the trust's values

A watchdog has said leadership at NHS hospitals in Leeds requires improvement, after inspectors found complaints of workplace bullying, racism and harassment were not dealt with properly.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also found that managers' behaviour at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust affected staff wellbeing and the quality of patient care.

The investigation took place in June, after concerns were raised about the trust's maternity and neonatal services and a warning notice was issued.

The trust has apologised to colleagues who did not feel listened to, and acknowledged it had "more work to do" to ensure sure racism, discrimination and bullying had "no place" its hospitals.

A spokesperson added: "We must focus on listening to our patients, our communities and our colleagues and be more curious about what we're told."

The trust includes Leeds General Infirmary, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Children's Hospital, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Wharfedale Hospital, Seacroft Hospital and Leeds Dental Institute.

The inspection focussed on how well-led the organisation was.

Rob Assall, CQC director of operations in the north, said: "During our inspection we found leaders didn't always listen to concerns and some staff had negative experiences when they voiced issues.

"We received several in-depth accounts from staff of bullying and harassment in the workplace which provided evidence of behaviours which didn't align with the trust's values."

The report also found the board failed to work "cohesively" and that "openness and culture" at board level were "mixed".

However, the CQC praised the trust's strong relationships with local and national partnerships and the leaders' diverse skills and experience.

'Sincerely apologise'

The organisation's sustainability aims and work with local councils to improve patients' discharge and home care were also commended.

Mr Assall said: "Leaders are aware they need to improve the effectiveness of their board and have taken steps to do this.

"We have told leaders the areas where improvements are needed to ensure the trust is led successfully, and we will continue to monitor them, including through future inspections, to ensure the necessary improvements are made."

Brendan Brown, interim chief executive of the trust, said: "The CQC received reports of colleagues being subjected to racist and bullying behaviours, and a number of staff members said their concerns weren't listened to and that they experienced detriment after raising issues.

"I want to sincerely apologise to those colleagues."

He added: "We also need to improve on how we act on what we hear. These changes need to happen quickly, as it is what the people we care for and work alongside expect and deserve."

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