Gloucestershire hospitals still require improvement, says CQC

Inspectors said Gloucestershire Royal A&E department was overcrowded

Two hospitals in Gloucestershire have been told by inspectors they still "require improvement".

The Care Quality Commission criticised some care and conditions at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals.

Areas identified by inspectors included overcrowded A&E departments and delays in discharging patients.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received the same rating at a previous visit in 2015.

Chief executive Deborah Lee, said improvements have been made since the latest inspection in January.

Inspectors found problems with the flow of patients in both hospitals, leading to overcrowding and patients waiting too long to be admitted.

Ms Lee said: "While this is a wider issue than just our hospitals, we are determined to make this better for patients and we are working closely with our health and care partners to do this."

At Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, inspectors noted that overcrowding was "compounded by an acute shortage of staff".

However it was recognised that services within specialist palliative and end of life care had been continuously improved.

Staff were also praised for treating patients with compassion and respect.

And inspectors noted "exceptional teamwork" and a detailed improvement plan with "clear milestones and accountability for actions" at Cheltenham General Hospital.

Chief Inspector of Hospitals, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said: "It is clear that Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are trying to drive forward improvements.

"While there is still some concern regarding the trust's urgent and emergency services and medicine, I hope that we will be able to report further improvement at our next inspection."