CUH has ‘improved patient care’: healthcare regulator

Monitor’s announcement today that the Trust is no longer in breach of its licence to provide health care has been welcomed by the CUH chair.

Jane Ramsey, CUH chair, said: "Today's announcement by our regulator Monitor that enforcement actions placed on the Trust have been lifted will be reassuring to our patients. It is also testament to the hard work of our staff and I would like to thank them for their ongoing dedication in the way they provide care here at CUH.

"Monitor's decision in November 2012 that we were in 'breach' of expected standards was a wake-up call for this great institution. Monitor’s concerns included our performance on waiting times, patient safety, the effectiveness and governance of our Board and our financial planning. Tackling these issues quickly and properly was essential as they have a significant impact on the care, treatment and experience of our patients.

"It has been tough, but we have now made the required progress. To achieve this, we implemented a clear plan and made sure that the Trust owned the process from start to finish. We took immediate action to address Monitor's concerns and made sure our patients received safe, kind, high-quality care and treatment. At the same time, we recruited new leadership and talent at senior level, including a global search for our chief executive. Our Board was strengthened and our processes and structures changed to improve our governance, transparency and accountability. We have also invested heavily in our relationships with partners locally, regionally and nationally.

"I am confident that our actions have led to a stronger Trust, one able to maintain and build on these improvements for the long-term, with high-quality care as business as usual. Focusing relentlessly on getting it right for patients every time gives us the right to continue our focus on becoming a world-leading healthcare provider."

Dr Keith McNeil, CUH chief executive, said:“A&E remains a challenge with unprecedented levels of demand on our service increasing year-on-year. Despite this pressure, we are seeing more patients within four hours than ever before, and continue to strive to further improve our performance in this area. Our reputation is built on the performance of all our staff, right across the Trust, and I would like to add my thanks for the work and effort they put in every day.”

 
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CUH
PR & Communications
Adrian Ient, Media Relations Manager,
Communications Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ
Tel: 01223 274433 Email: adrian.ient@addenbrookes.nhs.uk


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