CQC Downgrades Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Urgent and Emergency Services

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has downgraded the overall rating for urgent and emergency services at Bradford Royal Infirmary from Good to Requires Improvement following an inspection.

The inspection was carried out as part of preparations for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s well-led inspection.

Following the inspection, the service was rated Good for Responsive, Well-led and Caring, while Safe and Effective were rated Requires Improvement.

Inspectors found that staff were kind and committed to meeting people’s needs despite significant pressures. However, the CQC identified a number of areas where improvements are required to ensure patients receive safe and timely care.

Patients reported experiencing long waits for treatment, including delays in receiving pain relief and assistance with personal care. Inspectors also found that some people remained in the emergency department for more than 24 hours, while others were discharged home because inpatient beds were unavailable.

The CQC noted that no patients were receiving clinical care in corridors during the inspection, and staff told inspectors they worked hard to avoid corridor care.

The inspection also identified several safety concerns. These included:

• Staff reporting that workload pressures made it difficult to report incidents.
• Staff not consistently being able to take breaks, affecting both wellbeing and the care they could provide.
• Mental health assessment rooms not always being available for patients with mental health needs because they were being used for people with physical illnesses.
• Unlocked cupboards containing consumables and chemicals that could present a risk to patients.
• Out-of-date medicines, dirty and blood-stained equipment, and equipment that had not been safety tested in the paediatric resuscitation area.
• Security staff not receiving appropriate training to manage violent or aggressive behaviour.

Following the inspection, trust leaders agreed to recruit additional staff within the department to help improve patient care and reduce delays.

The CQC said it expects further improvements and will continue to monitor the service.

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