Services At Essex Hospital To Be Reviewed

A medical law specialist at Irwin Mitchell has welcomed the announcement that a full investigation is to be held into care standards at the Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The inquiry by the Care Quality Commission is set to examine the quality of emergency, elective and maternity services offered by the organisation, with a view to discovering if people are at risk as a result of incorrect systems.

Since it placed eight conditions on the Trust in 2010, the CQC has made unannounced visits to review the standards of services.  While improvements have been noted, concerns remain that not enough is being done to guarantee patient safety.

Medical law experts at Irwin Mitchell regularly provide advice and support to those who have suffered as a result of inadequate care or serious failings during treatment. The team has said the investigation should go some way to addressing the issues at this Trust.

Ian Christian, a Partner and medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The serious problems that have been discovered at Queen's Hospital in Romford are deeply troubling.

“All patients should have access to the services and treatment they need, but there are clear concerns about the standards here when it comes to both emergency and maternity care.

“Patient safety should be at the forefront of all clinical services. However, unfortunately, we have seen first-hand the terrible impact that poor levels of treatment by the NHS can have on people when they seek justice after suffering devastating injuries as a result of wholly avoidable failings.

“Reassurances are needed that services at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in Essex will improve, and this needs to start with boosting the number of suitably qualified staff and guaranteeing that all equipment on site is fit for purpose.

“We hope that the Trust recognises the seriousness of the CQC’s investigation and responds by addressing the risks to patients.”