\n The Care Quality Commission reviewed East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in November 2025 after safety concerns at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals.\n<\/p>\n
\n Inspectors rated the trust\u2019s leadership \u201crequires improvement\u201d, citing weak oversight, decision-making and delivery of its priorities.\n<\/p>\n
\n ESNEFT accepted the findings but stressed the inspection was carried out almost a year ago and its leadership has since changed significantly.\n<\/p>\n
\n Chief executive Paul Scott and trust chair Tracy Dowling said: \u201cWe accept and recognise the findings of the CQC\u2019s well-led assessment and the opportunities it highlights for us, as a new leadership team, to continue improving.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n The trust serves nearly one million people through two main hospitals, six community hospitals and health services across east Suffolk and north Essex.\n<\/p>\n
\n Sarah Ivory Donnelly, the CQC\u2019s deputy director of hospitals in the East of England, said leaders understood the problems but had not always acted fast enough.\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: \u201cWe issued warning notices at both Colchester and Ipswich after identifying significant risks to people\u2019s safety.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cLeaders knew about these issues, but the actions they\u2019d taken hadn\u2019t gone far enough to reduce the risk of avoidable harm to the people in their care.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Patients\u2019 basic needs, including food and fluids, were not always monitored properly, while mental health support was delayed in A&E.\n<\/p>\n
\n Inspectors also found a gap between ESNEFT\u2019s ambitions and its day-to-day performance, but praised its partnerships, environmental work and vision.\n<\/p>\n