A report published by Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority has found that progress has been made turning around some of England’s most challenged hospitals.
Special measures – a package of regulatory tools designed to provide intensive support to challenged Trusts – was put in place in July 2013 after Sir Bruce Keogh’s review into hospitals with higher than average mortality rates identified failings in the quality of care at 11 NHS Trusts and foundation Trusts. Since July, a further three Trusts have been placed into special measures.
Each Trust in special measures is required to produce an action plan which is published on the NHS Choices website and frequently updated. Of the 244 special measures actions across all the Trusts, 34% have been delivered and a further 52% are on track for completion within the expected timescale.
Monitor and the NHS TDA are holding Trusts to account where actions have been delayed.
At a number of Trusts, the Keogh mortality review raised concerns around staff levels. In the first three months of the special measures programme, Trusts appointed nearly 650 more nurses and nurse support staff and over 130 additional doctors.
Commenting on the findings, Dr David Bennett, chief executive of Monitor, said: “Although there is still a way to go, Trusts in special measures are using the additional support we’re giving them to deliver real improvements for patients. The challenge now is to see this process completed so that these hospitals are consistently delivering good care.”
