An MP has taken his concerns about Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to government leaders.
Terry Jermy has written to Health Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for urgent action over the “profound problems” facing health services in West Norfolk, following the latest inspection of the QEH.
The South West Norfolk MP has escalated his concerns to the Government after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) downgraded both urgent and emergency care and medical services, including older people’s care, at the hospital to requires improvement.
South West Norfolk Terry Jermy at Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital
The unannounced inspection, carried out on April 28 and 29, found breaches relating to safe care and treatment and dignity and respect, with the CQC warning that patients were at increased risk in some areas. A warning notice was issued following concerns identified during the inspection.
Among the findings, inspectors said patients in the emergency department were not always monitored for deterioration in a timely and consistent way, while the department was failing to meet its 15-minute triage target and patients faced long waits to be seen. Concerns were also raised about medicines, equipment, infection prevention and mandatory training.
In medical care, inspectors found problems with risk assessments, record keeping, medicines management and governance. The CQC said audits did not always result in action, and leaders did not have sufficient oversight to assure themselves that standards were being met.
Mr Jermy has now written to Ms Cooper, outlining his concerns about the hospital as well as wider health and social care issues affecting the area.
In a statement following publication of the CQC report, Mr Jermy said the findings were “seriously concerning” and that the standards identified were “wholly unacceptable”.
He said the report was the latest in a “growing list of damning reports” and evidence that performance and standards at the hospital needed to change “fast”.
However, he also stressed that his criticism was not directed at frontline staff.
The CQC’s report noted that patients described staff as caring, compassionate and professional, with inspectors also observing good interactions between staff and patients.
Jo Segasby, group deputy chief executive and group chief delivery officer for Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, said the report contains “serious findings”, which the hospital “fully accepts”, including the warning notices issued by the CQC.
Mr Jermy said he was “very concerned” about the report.
“My thoughts are with every person who did not receive the safe treatment and care they should have, and their families, who had to experience someone they love receiving inadequate services,” the MP said.
“These findings and failures are shocking, but for too many West Norfolk residents they sadly aren’t surprising.
“Every week, my team and I help residents who have either received or are trying to receive care at the QEH and need the support of my office. Almost every conversation I have with constituents regarding the QEH is devastating.
“The consequences of these failings cannot be stressed enough. Not only does unsafe care and treatment so often result in physical implications, but it also often leaves long-lasting emotional distress and trauma for the individuals concerned and their families.
“I remain determined to support staff at the QEH and the wider management team who I know are committed and working at pace to improve the quality and standard of services.
“I note the report details how patients consistently described staff as caring, compassionate and professional, and this is reflected in the feedback I receive from constituents.
“I pay tribute to staff at the hospital continuing to do all they can to look after patients to a high standard in very difficult circumstances.”