CQC finds improvements at The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Inspectors visited The Hillingdon Hospital on 19 May to check whether improvements had been made to IPC procedures across the emergency department, medical services department and the education centre.

Previously, inspectors visited the trust following an outbreak of COVID-19 that had been declared on 2 July 2020. Following this inspection in August 2020, CQC imposed urgent conditions upon the trust. Another inspection in September 2020, found some improvements within the trust but further work was needed.

As this was a focused inspection, the overall rating of requires improvement for the trust remains unchanged.

Nicola Wise, CQC’s head of hospital inspections (London),said:

“The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has worked hard to ensure the shortfalls in infection prevention and control we identified were addressed. This now ensures people are being protected against infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

“Although there were still areas for improvement which we have advised the trust to look at, overall, this is a very positive report and we want to congratulate staff for ensuring these improvements were addressed and thoroughly embedded, particularly during times of high pressure during the pandemic.”

Inspectors found:

• IPC training compliance had improved with 91% of staff receiving mandatory training.
• The service was now controlling the risk of infection well, using control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection.
• Inspectors found a new staff changing area had been built in the department. The area was regularly cleaned, spacious and had both toilet cubicles and showers available for staff use. The area was divided into clean and dirty areas.
• Leaders had the skills and knowledge to run the service. They understood and managed the infection prevention and control priorities and issues the service faced.
• Leaders operated effective infection prevention and control governance processes throughout the service and with partner organisations. Staff at all levels were clear about their roles and responsibilities and had regular opportunities to meet, discuss and learn from the performance of the service.

The report will be published on the website on Wednesday 21 July.