Healthwatch response to Aintree Hospital CQC report
Healthwatch Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton are concerned to see that Aintree hospital has been assessed as ‘Requiring Improvement’ by the CQC. People from all three boroughs use the hospital so we all have an interest in the hospital providing safe, good quality care to its patients.
The report highlights a shortage of staff with the right skills and training in the hospital’s urgent and emergency services. There is also mention of wards where patients aren’t always receiving timely responses to requests of help. On a more positive note, the inspection did find a service that is caring and surgical services that are rated as ‘Good’ in every aspect.
These findings echo comments we have had from patients, the majority of whom say they are happy with the care that they have receive at Aintree Hospital, but that services appear short staffed and that staff on duty are often busy.
One A&E patient told us: “[There are] just too many people and not enough staff, doctors or nurses…The staff are trying to do the best they can in a very busy department. The staff were very nice, but I hope not to have to go again for a very long time.”
Another patient said: “They look after you and treat you well and I feel sorry for the staff because they are very busy.”
Some patients on wards have told us how these pressures have affected their care: “You have to shout for the staff to take notice and I’ve ended up soiling the bed when they haven’t come in time.”
Aintree Hospital now has a challenge to address the areas highlighted in the CQC report and also the concerns that some patients have raised. Local Healthwatch will continue to visit the hospital, talking to patients and visitors to see how the hospital’s improvement plans are implemented.
If you have a story to share about the care that you or a loved one have received in Aintree Hospital then contact your local Healthwatch. We’re here to make sure those involved in providing health and care services locally put people at the heart of care by listening to what they have to say.