Trust ‘led with integrity’ in face of maternity scandal, says CQC

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust was rated “inadequate” for its leadership and maternity services during inspections in 2021 and 2022, following serious care failings exposed by staff and patients during this period. The Nottinghamshire police confirmed last week they were opening an investigation.

But the regulator noted improvements after its well-led and maternity inspections which took place in April and June.

The well-led rating has gone up from “inadequate” to “requires improvement” and maternity services at both hospitals have also gone up to “requirements improvement”.

At the Queen’s Medical Centre hospital, the overall ratings for well-led and safe improved from “inadequate” to “requires improvement”.

At City Hospital, the “safe” and “well-led” domains improved to “requires improvement”.

The overall rating for the trust remains “requires improvement”, as does QMC’s rating, but the overall rating for Nottingham City Hospital has gone up to “good”.

Greg Rielly, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said: “During this inspection, we saw a team that consistently led with integrity who were open and honest in their approach.”

However, he stressed that while the culture across the trust was improving, some staff still didn’t feel able to raise concerns without fear of retribution.

“Leaders were aware of this and were working to create a workplace that is free from bullying, harassment, racism, and discrimination so we hope to see an improved picture soon,” he said.

He said maternity services had improved, but noted that “staff must ensure thorough risk assessments are undertaken to ensure people and their babies are free from harm and abuse”.

Anthony May, who became NUH chief executive a year ago, told HSJ the results of the CQC inspections were a “significant step forward for the trust” but could not be “detached from the level of scrutiny that we’ve got particularly in maternity, and I wouldn’t want to do that”.

Mr May stressed the improvement in ratings was reflective and testament to the staff’s commitment and dedication.

“We’ve changed the way we engage with the public, stakeholders and staff and I would hope people would see the trust is facing up to difficulties, being transparent and being honest about the challenges we face,” Mr May said.

“We’re trying to see this as an opportunity to reset the whole organisation”.

He said as the trust continues to improve, it will help secure public confidence, which it will “never take for granted”.