SaTH rated inadequate by inspectors but some progress made

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has once again been rated inadequate, despite some improvements.

The Care Quality Commission says it found "some progress" has been made, following a damning report last year by former senior midwife Donna Ockenden.

Its current findings stated it was "inadequate" for being safe and responsive to people's needs.

Ted Baker, CQC chief inspector of hospitals, said: “While the trust continues to have significant work to do to provide care that meets standards people have a right to expect, it is providing more effective care overall.

“However, its risk management remains inconsistent and we are not assured it is doing all it can to ensure people’s safety.

“This is particularly concerning in urgent and emergency care at the RSH, where people did not always receive timely assessment to identify their needs, meaning staff were not aware whether people needed urgent treatment or not.

“The trust understands what it must do to improve, and we will continue to monitor its progress.

“There have been some areas of improvement, but work must happen at pace to build on this."