The emergency department at Princess Royal University Hospital has been upgraded from ‘inadequate’ to ‘requires improvement’ following an inspection.
The Care Quality Commission found the department, which treats an average of 380 patients a day, has made significant improvements since November 2019, praising the number and mix of skilled staff, and lengths taken to follow infection control measures.
PRUH is now rated ‘requires improvement’ for being safe, effective, well-led and responsive and ‘good’ for caring.
Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, of which the PRUH is part, said: “The CQC’s inspection report confirms that the improvements staff at PRUH have put in place are delivering benefits for patients, and the communities we serve.
"This is a positive step forward.
“I am pleased for PRUH ED staff, and the hospital’s leadership team, who have worked hard to embed positive changes within the department, at the same time as managing the challenges associated with COVID-19.”
“However, we mustn’t be complacent, and it is clear that further improvements are needed – and I am confident everyone is committed to making the ED at PRUH even better for patients, and staff.”
The CQC inspection team found steps had been taken to improve the facilities in which patients with mental health needs were seen and treated and that the ED worked well with other organisations to protect patients from abuse.
Staff were said to treat patients with compassion and kindness, and that managers within the service were visible and approachable.
Despite the efforts of staff, the physical design of the waiting area for the ED was found to make crowding more likely.
A new, re-designed waiting area to support better patient flow and social distancing is due to open in September.
The inspection team also found that early warning scores for paediatric patients attending the ED were not always recorded.
Since the inspection, staff have been reminded about the importance of accurate and timely record keeping, and additional training is also being provided to help staff identify children at risk of deterioration.
PRUH is run by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which provides care to 1.5 million patients in Southwark, Lambeth, Bromley, Bexley, Lewisham and elsewhere in south-east London and parts of Kent.
The Trust acquired PRUH in 2013, along with Orpington Hospital and some services at Beckenham Beacon and Queen Mary’s Sidcup following the dissolution of South London Healthcare NHS Trust.
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