CQC findings on NNUH visits

Visits to eight wards, the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) and the Acute Medical Units by the CQC found that patients received safe and appropriate care during a time of high demand at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).

CQC inspectors spoke with ambulance crew and staff at NNUH for feedback on their experience and reported that designated nurses carried out appropriate assessments of patients on arrival by ambulance and that ambulance crews monitored patients appropriately ahead of treatment in A&E.

During their visit to A&E CQC found that ‘People were being supported by nursing staff in a dignified and respectful manner. We did not see any inappropriate or unsafe care of people throughout the visit.’

Patients at NNUH during inspection reported to CQC inspectors comments such as: “I have been well looked after and told regularly where I am going and when”, and “I have lots of support about my discharge from staff on the ward.”

All aspects of the patient discharge process were also looked at by the CQC from social worker referral and care plans, to community bed availability and patient transport.

On the hospital wards it was noted that patient records did not always include summaries of discharge planning and that the discharge checklist were not always completed. This was identified as an area for improvement by the CQC reinforcing the work already being undertaken to improve the discharge documentation and processes .

Anna Dugdale, NNUH Chief Executive said: “ We welcome the objectivity of the CQC inspections which provide us with valuable insight, we are delighted that CQC observed that patients were being cared for in a dignified and respectful manner.”

The CQC report found that ambulance crews and hospital staff worked well together and that Norfolk County Council Social Services and the GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) confirmed positive working relationships with NNUH and the hospital’s genuine commitment to improve services for patients. Inspectors also reported that joint plans were in place through Project Domino, and more widely, to improve the discharge process and availability of services for patients after they left hospital.

The CQC report registers a minor concern regarding incomplete discharge information at the hospital and a minor concern regarding co-ordination of care for patients’ post-hospital support.

A copy of the full report can be seen on the Care Quality Commission website at: www.cqc.org.uk