NURSING UNION CALLS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

The Royal College of Nursing said it was very disappointed with the CQC’s findings and demanded urgent improvements.

The union, which represents nurses and helps to shape health policies, is particularly concerned about inadequate staffing, a lack of appropriatelytrained staff and the divide between staff and management highlighted by the report.

The RCN called for sufficient and trained staff, particularly in emergency departments, to be brought in “to ensure patient care and safety” and for procedures to be put in place to eradicate a blame culture.

In a statement, the RCN said: “The trust must address these issues as a priority as they have a direct impact on the welfare of staff and patients. It is very important to reassure patients that they will be safe.” The RCN officer for Kent, Hamza Aumeer, added: “We are very disappointed to see that the trust has been rated as inadequate by the CQC and both patients and staff will be concerned by the findings.

“The RCN hopes the trust can make the significant progress needed to turn this around and we will do all we can to help to improve its rating.”