Tuesday 03 October 2023
At the end of March this year, we had an unannounced focused Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of our Maternity Services & The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Unit. The report was published on Friday 9th July and a statement in response to the report has been made.
Maternity services
In the latter part of 2020 as part of our work to ensure we maintain high standards, the Trust commissioned two external reviews of our maternity services, one clinical and one that focused on the culture within our maternity workforce. These reports were proactive responses to concerns raised via the Trusts assurance process and our Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. The recommendations we are in the process of implementing from these reviews align with the actions we need to take to respond to the recent CQC report.
Responding to the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report into maternity services at Salisbury District Hospital Stacey Hunter CEO said: "Salisbury Foundation Trust welcomes the CQC review of our maternity services and we recognise that improvements in leadership and some of the day-to-day systems and processes are needed.
"Following the inspection, I am able to reassure women that our maternity services remain safe. Providing high quality compassionate care is the team’s top priority.
"We continue to be encouraged by the regular positive feedback we get from families that have used the service.
"To address some of the areas of concern we have already taken action to strengthen the departments leadership. This includes £500K investment in additional midwifery roles to support the local risk management, training and governance processes. We have also taken the opportunity to establish a new Director of Midwifery.
"We are sorry that some of our processes failed to live up to the high standards rightly expected of us and pledge to do everything we can to ensure the maternity department is well run, has a happy and supportive culture and continues to deliver high quality and compassionate care."
Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre
Stacey Hunter CEO said: “The past year or so has been especially hard for the team in the Spinal Unit as they have worked tirelessly to keep patients safe under very difficult circumstances. The report makes clear that the unit provides a safe and caring service, but there are elements of the management processes and skills mix of staff that need improving. An action plan has been developed with the team and I am confident that the service will emerge even better following this CQC review.”
16 July 2021
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
