Recommendation to take Hinchingbrooke Hospital out of special measures

Following a formal reinspection in May, the report confirmed the Trust’s services are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led, rating it ‘Good’ in all 5 of these domains.

Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate, systems and processes were working well in most areas, and medical and surgical patients were receiving treatment within the expected timescales.

They saw several examples of outstanding practice, including the employment of an Admiral Nurse to support the relatives and carers of people living with dementia and provide additional support to staff. She is one of only five Admiral Nurses in acute trusts in England.

Lance McCarthy, Hinchingbrooke chief executive, said: “I’m delighted the CQC has recognised the significant improvements we have made since going in to special measures in January 2015. The report reflects our progress and achievements since then and the commitment of our staff to providing high-quality care for all of our patients and residents of Huntingdonshire. To come out of special measures and be rated ‘Good’ overall is testament to the hard work, compassion and care of all of our staff.

“The CQC noted a number of improvements that could be made, which we are already in the process of addressing as we strive to move from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’.“