21.07.2014
While the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspected the facility, found that although staff were caring, services did not "meet the needs of local people".
According to the organisation, patients did not consistently have access to timely medical assessments from intensive care specialists, while physical space at Tameside General Hospital's critical care unit was limited to such an extent that it damaged people's treatment.
Additionally, only 70 per cent of nurses in the intensive treatment unit had completed their training for this department, although the CQC did note that there were plans in place to ensure the remainder were ready for their role.
Surgery was another area of concern for the CQC.
Patient surgery was often limited by the capacity of the hospital, meaning that the flow of people due procedures was "poor and disorganised".
However, there was some positives for surgeons. Patients spoke positively about the kindness of the staff and noted strenuous efforts were made to make sure the dignity, respect and compassion of inpatients was a priority.
The hospital, which is run by the Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has now been told to improve by the CQC, or it could face sanctions.
Tameside General Hospital was put into special measures in 2013 after higher than normal mortality rates were identified by Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of NHS England.
Although some improvements have been made, the hospital still remains below the patient safety standards expected by the NHS.
In a statement to the press, the CQC said: "We saw that the trust was on a journey of improvement. We saw that the staff at many levels were committed to that improvement and were beginning to work as part of a cohesive team.
"Overall however, we found that the services provided by the trust were currently inadequate."
A Hospital In Tameside Has Been Criticised By The CQC
A hospital in the Tameside area of Greater Manchester has been criticised for a number of patient safety failings.While the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspected the facility, found that although staff were caring, services did not "meet the needs of local people".
According to the organisation, patients did not consistently have access to timely medical assessments from intensive care specialists, while physical space at Tameside General Hospital's critical care unit was limited to such an extent that it damaged people's treatment.
Additionally, only 70 per cent of nurses in the intensive treatment unit had completed their training for this department, although the CQC did note that there were plans in place to ensure the remainder were ready for their role.
Surgery was another area of concern for the CQC.
Patient surgery was often limited by the capacity of the hospital, meaning that the flow of people due procedures was "poor and disorganised".
However, there was some positives for surgeons. Patients spoke positively about the kindness of the staff and noted strenuous efforts were made to make sure the dignity, respect and compassion of inpatients was a priority.
The hospital, which is run by the Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has now been told to improve by the CQC, or it could face sanctions.
Tameside General Hospital was put into special measures in 2013 after higher than normal mortality rates were identified by Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of NHS England.
Although some improvements have been made, the hospital still remains below the patient safety standards expected by the NHS.
In a statement to the press, the CQC said: "We saw that the trust was on a journey of improvement. We saw that the staff at many levels were committed to that improvement and were beginning to work as part of a cohesive team.
"Overall however, we found that the services provided by the trust were currently inadequate."
Expert Opinion
The issues highlighted by the Care Quality Commission at Tameside General Hospital are extremely worrying and it is vital that the management and staff examine the failings identified and take action to ensure standards are improved quickly. <br/> <br/>“Our work on behalf of patients who are not provided the appropriate care when they need it means we understand the consequences such issues can have, so it is important the failings at the hospital are tackled immediately. <br/> <br/>“The quality of patient care should be the top priority and a key part of this is taking positive steps to ensure the problems are resolved and standards reach the correct levels.” Lindsay Wise - Partner
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