Ealing Hospital 'Requires Improvement'

CQC report highlights number of problems at the hospital

Campaigners say authorities must stop further plans to downgrade Ealing Hospital folllowing a new report which has called for improvement.

They've responded to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) study which highlighted a number of issues at the London North West Healthcare NHS Trust - which Ealing Hospital is part of.

Of the eight areas that were assessed, five - including urgent and emergency services - require improvement.

The trust was was established in October 2014 merging North West London NHS Trust and Ealing Hospital.

All staff working at the hospital were described in the report as ''dedicated, caring and supportive of each other within their ward and locality.''

However investigators said the merger had been 'protracted' causing a negative effect on performance and leadership and noted that 'there was a high degree of anxiety and uncertainty borne ...and also fears of service removal and potential job losses particularly at Ealing Hospital.''

Jacqueline Docherty DBE, chief executive of the trust, said: "Today's report from the CQC presents a fair reflection of the trust.

"It identifies where improvements are required and also recognises areas of good performance and outstanding practice. Importantly, the report confirms the care, commitment and compassion of our staff.

"We have already developed an action plan and will hold a Quality Summit in July with our external partners to jointly agree and deliver these improvements so that we can provide the very best health and social care for all of our patients".

Eve Turner, Secretary of Ealing Save Our NHS, said : ''This report covers two A&E hospitals – Ealing and Northwick Park and strongly highlights the need for improvements, not cuts.  We now want the Trust authorities to drop their ongoing plans to downgrade and effectively close Ealing A&E.
  In fact the report praises Ealing Hospital in several areas and it’s no surprise that since Ealing Maternity was closed, the remaining maternity services in the Trust are found to “require improvement”.    

Eric Leach, a researcher and campaigner for Ealing Save Our NHS, added:  

''It’s sad that overall ‘Requires Improvement’ is a common theme. However we do note that CQC states that Northwick Park Hospital (NPH) requires more improvement than Ealing Hospital (EH). In fact it is only NPH which attracts red flags – for unsafe surgery and ineffective medical care. Ironic that the NHS still wants to downgrade EH from a Major Hospital to a Local Hospital whilst retaining Major Hospital status for NPH.

'' Finally we have just discovered that NHS NW London ended its financial year at the end of March 2016 with a £72 million surplus. What a pity this money was not spent by Ealing CCG on improvements at both major hospitals.''

The Charlie Chaplin Children’s Ward & Children’s A&E at Ealing Hospital is due to close on the 30th of June. A protest will be held from 12.30pm outside the hospital.

22nd June 2016