The leadership of one of the biggest healthcare trusts of its kind in England has been downgraded from outstanding to “requires improvement”.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report said standards of care at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) had deteriorated since its last inspection.
Gemma Berry, CQC deputy director of mental health in the North East, said: “Senior leaders didn’t always have appropriate systems and processes in place to keep people safe.”
Chief executive James Duncan accepted the findings but said: “We have already begun work to address these issues and are improving how we listen to staff, act on concerns and involve them in decisions.”
CNTW provides a wide range of mental health, learning disability, autism and neuro-rehabilitation services to a population of 1.8 million people across North Cumbria and the North East of England.
It employs more than 9,000 staff, working in 70 sites with an annual turnover of about £647m.
The CQC report, based on an inspection in autumn, found “examples of great partnership working” but also found “pockets of poor culture”.
The findings included:
The trust did not always ensure safeguarding concerns were accurately reported to local authorities and staff were confused about what type of incidents should be reported
High vacancy and sickness rates, which mean an increased reliance on temporary employees
Some staff felt work was needed to address bullying and discrimination
Berry said “staff told us leaders were making decisions without always consulting” those who were providing the care, and “some didn’t feel safe speaking up when they had concerns”.
She added: “It’s absolutely critical that the trust tackle this issue.
“Everyone should feel respected, and able to speak up.”
In response, Duncan paid tribute to “the commitment and professionalism of our workforce”, adding: “Feedback from patients and carers about staff kindness has been positive.”
He said: “We are already improving how we involve staff in decisions and I am clear that this now needs to move faster.
“Our priority is to provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care for the people and communities we serve where our staff feel valued and supported, allowing them to give their best.”
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