Hospital Trust put into special measures over care

A HOSPITAL trust has been placed into special measures after it emerged that more than 100 cases of alleged poor care are to be reviewed.

NHS Improvement confirmed yesterday that Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has been placed into special measures following recommendations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Ian Dalton, chief executive of NHS Improvement, said: “While Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has been working through its many challenges, it is important that the trust is able to deliver the high-quality care that patients deserve. The time is right to ramp up our help by placing the trust in special measures.

“We know that the trust welcomes this decision and shares our commitment to turn around its performance and quality concerns for the benefit of patients and the wider community.”

The CQC said last month that it was taking action at the trust following inspections at its maternity and emergency departments.

While its inspection report is still awaiting publication, the CQC said earlier yesterday that it was “anticipated” it would be placed into special measures.

Its chief inspector of hospitals, Professor Ted Baker, said: “I believe there is sufficient evidence that the trust will not be able to make all the necessary improvements in the quality of their services without external support and I asked NHS Improvement to put in place all necessary support without delay.”

The CQC previously said unannounced inspections led to concerns about reduced foetal movements guidelines at its maternity services as well as its +urgent and emergency care.