King’s College Hospital surgery services rated Good following CQC inspection

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating for surgery services at King’s College Hospital from Requires Improvement to Good following an inspection carried out in April.

King’s College Hospital is part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The inspection formed part of CQC’s routine monitoring programme and was also prompted by concerns raised about the culture within the service.

Following the inspection, CQC rated the hospital’s surgery services Good for Safe, Effective, Responsive, and Well-led, while the Caring rating remained Good.

Although the hospital’s overall rating remains Requires Improvement, its rating for Effective has improved from Requires Improvement to Good.

Inspectors found the trust had made significant improvements since the previous inspection, with surgery services delivering consistently high-quality care. Training for medical staff had improved, and although further work was still needed, leaders were ensuring staff had the support and training required to provide safe care.

The inspection also found staff worked closely with patients to understand their individual needs and preferences, tailoring care accordingly. People receiving care described staff as kind, respectful and supportive, and said they felt safe during their treatment.

Inspectors reported that when incidents occurred, staff were open with patients and investigated what had happened so lessons could be learned and future care improved.

The CQC found leadership across the service had strengthened, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of both the service’s achievements and the areas still requiring attention. While challenges remain around staffing levels and waiting times for some procedures, inspectors found leaders were actively working to address these issues.

Among the positive findings, inspectors noted that staff communicated clearly to help people make informed decisions about their care, respected patients’ privacy and dignity, and understood how to protect the rights of people who may lack mental capacity.

The inspection also highlighted effective teamwork across different professional groups and organisations to support smooth patient care. Specialist support was available for people living with dementia, mental health conditions and learning disabilities, helping to improve access to healthcare.

Inspectors also found patients were offered a variety of meals suited to their dietary needs, with families encouraged to bring in favourite foods where appropriate. Leaders were described as visible and approachable, and the hospital actively encouraged feedback from patients to help improve services.

However, CQC found that some clinical risk assessments, including those relating to skin integrity and falls, were not always completed consistently. Inspectors noted that the trust already had plans in place to improve performance in these areas.

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