Stockport NHS colleagues have started the New Year with a much-needed boost, as emergency services at Stepping Hill Hospital are rated as “good” in a report published yesterday.
In November 2021, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) made an unannounced two-day visit to the emergency department (A&E) to check what progress had been made since the inspectors last visited in August 2020, when the service was rated as “inadequate”.
On their return visit, CQC inspectors rated the services as “good” overall and “good” across four of the five categories they review: safe, effective, caring and well-led.
They also praised staff for the good care and treatment they provide to patients, and the emotional support they provide to patients, families and carers.
The inspection report published by the CQC today also highlights that the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the department, has ensured there are enough staff to run the service, leaders run the department well, and team members feel respected, supported and valued.
High Peak MP, Robert Largan, welcomed the news, and congratulated the Chief Executive of the Trust, Karen James OBE.
This comes after Mr Largan’s long-running, successful campaign for a new Emergency Care Campus and Urgent Care Centre at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“This report is really positive news, and demonstrates significant improvements to local emergency care.
“I want to thank Karen James and the NHS staff at Stepping Hill who have worked so hard to deliver these improvements in very difficult circumstances.
“With the planned new Emergency Care Campus and Urgent Care Centre to be built at Stepping Hill Hospital, there are lots of reasons to be positive about the future of local healthcare provision.”
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive, commented:
“This is good news for colleagues, who have put so much work in over many months to making improvements; and good news for patients, who can be assured about the quality of care they receive in our emergency department.
“The latest rating from the CQC is a testament to not only the work our A&E team has put into improving the services, but also to the support they have received from many teams and individuals across the organisation, as well as in our partner organisations. Making these improvements has been a Trust-wide – and at times, a system-wide effort – and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to so many positive changes.”
