The leadership of one of the biggest healthcare trusts of its kind in England has been downgraded from outstanding to “requires improvement”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It employs more than 9,000 staff, working in 70 sites with an annual turnover of about \u00a3647m.<\/p>\n
The CQC report, based on an inspection in autumn, found “examples of great partnership working” but also found “pockets of poor culture”.<\/p>\n
The findings included:<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
High vacancy and sickness rates, which mean an increased reliance on temporary employees<\/p>\n
Some staff felt work was needed to address bullying and discrimination<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
She added: “It’s absolutely critical that the trust tackle this issue.<\/p>\n
“Everyone should feel respected, and able to speak up.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
He said: “We are already improving how we involve staff in decisions and I am clear that this now needs to move faster.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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