Latest Investigations Reveal ‘Recommendations Are Not Being Met’

By Rob Dixon

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust must work quickly to bring its operations at two hospitals in line with recognised standards, according to medical law experts concerned by the results of a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The organisation has published the results of its latest investigations into emergency care services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General Hospital and found that of 40 recommendations flagged by earlier inspections in 2012, 30 have only been partly met and three remain outstanding.

While improvements have been seen, concerns specifically remain over ensuring suitably qualified paediatric staff are available at all times in A&E and the need for improvements in complaints handling systems.

The CQC added that a cultural change programme is also needed across the organisation and stated it intended to continue to monitor the trust closely.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner and specialist in medical negligence at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: “Very serious concerns were raised regarding this NHS trust last year and it is worrying to see that the recommendations outlined by inspectors have not comprehensively been met.

“Ensuring a high standard of around-the-clock emergency care is available to patients is vital at any NHS trust, so it is absolutely that staff at both Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General Hospital work quickly to ensure these issues have been addressed.

“Through our work, we see on far too many occasions the shocking consequences of failing to meet standards. Everything possible needs to be done to ensure the safety of patients at this NHS trust always comes first.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Medical Negligence claims