Watchdog's concern over hospital's staff shortages (From Daily Echo)

Watchdog's concern over staff shortages at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester

6:30am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Echo Reporter

A HEALTH watchdog has expressed concern over staff shortages at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

An inspection by the Care Quality Commission found there were “not always enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet patients' needs” in wards.

But all three CQC care and cleanliness standards were met during the inspection in January.

In the report, the inspector said: “We were told by ward leads that if fewer staff were on duty than expected, and this was considered a risk to patient safety, they would raise this as an incident.

“This hospital had 110 reported staffing incidents between September 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012.”

But only 20 per cent of the incidents were found to have risked harm to patients through delays in providing medication and basic care.

The report also noted Hampshire Hospitals' NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs the RHCH, along with Basingstoke and north Hampshire and Andover War Memorial hospitals, was attempting to recruit more staff.

Donna Green, chief nurse at the trust, said: “We recognise the CQC noted a minor concern on staffing numbers, and are working hard to increase the numbers of nurses on wards.

“Overall, I'm pleased that this CQC report recognises our commitment to care and cleanliness in our hospitals, but we're never complacent - care, cleanliness and staffing numbers will continue to be top priorities.”

The inspectors spoke to staff, patients and visitors to the hospital on January 13.

The report also highlighted the hospital's effectiveness at tackling infections, maintaining hygiene, and protecting patients from harm.