15th September 2011

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed feedback from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a review visit to Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH) in May 2011.

The Trust is very pleased with the report and in particular with the outstanding testimonials received from patients in a variety of areas across the hospital. Statements included: ‘Staff are wonderful, I can’t fault them’, ‘I have had personal attention. Staff are respectful and respect privacy’ and ‘The hospital is brilliant. There is a very calm atmosphere and staff are very helpful.’

With people reported as being supported to have a healthy and nutritious diet with a variety of choices and options, we are pleased that the commission felt that people were given support around mealtimes when they needed it and that this was delivered with sensitivity and respect.

Safeguarding policies were in place throughout the service and were felt to be effective. More than 90% of staff had received safeguarding training.

With regard to co-operation with other providers, the report acknowledges both the efficient, professional ambulance handovers and the very positive involvement of the Learning Disability liaison nurses. The report notes the Trust’s ongoing action with regard to discharge summaries, and acknowledges that the long-term plan and IT solutions to address this will not be completed until 2012.

Cleanliness and infection control measures were assessed and found to be robust, with minor concerns about high level dust noted in one area. Visitors noted ‘It is very clean’ when asked to comment on cleanliness and hygiene. The new monthly environmental maintenance audits were highlighted by staff to the CQC and in the four months since this visit these have continued to deliver improvements.

Dr Frank Harsent, Chief Executive said: “Given the very demanding nature of our work in an acute hospital setting, it is extremely encouraging to see the number of comments praising our staff for giving people time as well as the best clinical treatment.

“The report highlights many cases of outstanding quality care delivered by our very dedicated teams of staff. In particular I am proud that the inspectors noted the respect and personal attention shown to visitors and patients alike.”

Responding to the report, Jan Stubbings, Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire, said: “As a commissioner, it is good to see the report’s positive findings. It is important that patients receive the highest quality of care at all times and we know that the Trust is focussed on making continued improvements to enhance the patient experience further.”