Care watchdog lifts hospital trust restrictions

The Care Quality Commission suspended its previous 'outstanding' rating for the trust in January

A health watchdog has lifted restrictions imposed on an NHS trust that was downgraded over alleged bullying earlier this year.

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust saw its rating fall from 'outstanding' to 'requires improvement' and a series of conditions imposed on its licence last December.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) spokesperson confirmed the requirements had been lifted and added it would "continue to monitor the trust closely".

A spokesperson for Newcastle Hospitals said it would "continue to focus on our improvement plan".

The trust, which runs the Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Freeman Hospital, had its rating downgraded after a CQC report published in January outlined serious concerns over alleged bullying and a "significant deterioration" in the leadership.

Inspectors highlighted particular concern over the Freeman’s cardiothoracic department, with claims of serious incidents being "deliberately covered up" and a culture of bullying.

The findings also included worries about a shortage of staffing in the RVI’s maternity unit, which left it unable to provide "basic fundamental standards of care", as well as accusations of favouritism and nepotism within the trust.

The trust said at the time it fully accepted the report.

Improvements made

The trust was required to make improvements and submit monthly reports to prove it was making progress, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

These included ensuring staff being able to report concerns without fear of reprisals, putting effective systems in place to support the delivery of safe and quality care, and properly recording and escalating risks.

A CQC spokesperson said: "The trust has submitted action plans and provided assurance that they have made improvements, therefore the conditions have now been met.

"We’ll continue to monitor the trust closely and will return to check on their progress to ensure people are receiving safe and effective care."