Health regulator report highlights patient safety issues in inspection report
Following an unannounced inspection in June at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) to follow up information received regarding the quality of some of its services, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has produced a report highlighting a number of patient safety concerns.
The report noted that the urgent and emergency service at the hospital over weekends “wouldn’t have access to a trained fire warden to manage an evacuation of the building in the event of a fire”. These concerns, as well as others over medical staffing levels, were related to overcrowding found in the department.
As reported by the Bristol Post, Catherine Campbell, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, provided an overview of the report, saying: “During our inspection of Bristol Royal Infirmary, we found an emergency department which was often understaffed, especially at weekends, which led to delays for people needing care and treatment.
“Leaders didn't monitor the quality of staff handovers from the emergency department to the wards. This meant there were missed opportunities for learning and to improve the future care of people being transferred on to inpatient wards.
The report did also provide positive feedback, as she explained that, “leaders had a strong awareness of the risks of managing the flow of people through the department and surges in demand. Staff also worked well together to deliver good care and worked with leaders collaboratively to improve the service.
“The trust leadership know what they must do to improve, and we will continue to monitor them to make sure people are safe whilst this is happening, as well as reinspecting to check on their progress.”
Responding to the report’s findings, Professor Deirdre Fowler, chief nurse and midwife at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust of which BRI is a part, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. We have taken immediate steps to address concerns the CQC have raised to ensure timeliness of treatment and the safety of those we serve.
“We welcome the CQC’s recognition that colleagues innovative and joined up approach to safety is maximising the effectiveness of people’s care, and treatment and are pleased that this is resulting in positive experiences and feedback from patients cared for at our Bristol emergency department.”
Despite the issues raised, the report did not alter the overall rating of the BRI and the wider Trust, which both remain ‘good’, however the ratings for two aspects, the urgent and emergency service, and safety and responsiveness, were re-rated as ‘requires improvement’.