Cumbria Infirmary makes it through CQC check

The regulator checked two “essential standards” of care during an inspection of two general medical wards – Elm A and Maple C/D wards – at the trust’s Cumberland Infirmary on 17 March.

Inspectors – including a practising nurse – observed how people were being cared for, talked with patients, talked with staff, and checked records.

The standards assessed were:

• People should be treated with respect, involved in discussions about their care and treatment and able to influence how the service is run
• Food and drink should meet people’s individual dietary needs

It concluded overall that Cumbria Infirmary had passed the CQC standards for dignity and nutrition, but suggested improvements could be made to maintain performance in both of them.

In its report, the regulator said: “Many of the patients we interviewed were positive about their care and experience at Cumberland Infirmary. The trust can demonstrate that people who use services understand their care, treatment and choices available to them.

“People’s privacy and dignity is recognised and staff seek people’s views to influence the care, treatment and support offered. Any shortfalls identified on the visit were isolated.”

It added: “The trust ensures that people who use services are supported to have adequate nutrition and hydration, by encouraging and supporting people and providing choices of food and drink to meet their diverse needs.”

The regulator visited 100 hospitals as part of its programme of inspections on older patients’ treatment and is currently publishing them in batches, of which this is the fourth.