SOUTHAMPTON hospital bosses have come under fire after a watchdog highlighted failings in services including elderly care and patient privacy.

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust was rated good in many areas by inspectors, who praised the emergency department, quick death reviews and childcare.

But the Care Quality Commission said there is more to be done and rated the trust as 'requires improvement' - the second lowest rating.

Now bosses have vowed to make sure every patient receives the best possible care.

A report released by the commission is now calling for immediate action after patients were left waiting on trolleys along with elderly patients unable to leave because they didn't have a place at a care home coupled with some outdated facilities.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Southampton General Hospital struggled to cope with a bed-blocking crisis through the winter.

The 60-strong inspection team visited in December and January, their findings included:

  • Nurses who did not have sufficient skills to offer competent care to patients
  • A lack of safe, private places on the cardiac short stay ward, elderly care ward and critical care areas.
  • Operating tables in maternity theatres needing to be lowered to reduce risk of new mothers and surgeons injuring their backs.
  • The need for more basic equipment in all departments to free up beds and cots

Chief Inspector of Hospitals, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said: “The trust has a lot to be proud of.

“I recognise there are competing demands for resources but the trust will need to work with partners and commissioners to respond to the increasing demand for its services and address areas for improvement.”

Fiona Dalton, chief executive of the trust, added: “Inspectors recognised the challenges we face and these areas all require improvement.

"There is a long way to go, but we are making progress and with the brilliant teams we have in place across the organisation, it is something we know is achievable.”

Daily Echo:

Healthwatch Southampton chairman, Harry Dymond (pictured above) said: “We understand nothing in the report came as a surprise and the trust is aware of the need to continuously improve in some areas.

"They have to provide the CQC with an action plan for improvement in those areas and Healthwatch Southampton will work with the trust to ensure these improvements reflect the needs of patients and visitors."