CQC Flags Safety Concerns in CPFT Acute Wards Amid Promising Progress in Care Quality

In a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) received a mixed review regarding its acute wards, emphasizing the need for improvement. While the overall rating of the trust remains good, the CQC has flagged concerns specifically related to the safety standards within the acute wards. Interim Chief Nurse Rachel Gomm acknowledged the progress made since the previous inspection in October 2022. However, she also admitted that significant work is still required to enhance the safety and quality of care delivered in these critical areas. The CQC’s findings indicate that despite improvements in certain aspects, the trust has not fully implemented all the recommendations made after the last inspection, particularly those aimed at ensuring patient safety. Stuart Dunn, the CQC's deputy director of operations in the East of England, highlighted key areas of concern during the inspection. He noted that the trust's acute wards failed to consistently share lessons learned from safety incidents across different wards, which could jeopardize patient care. Furthermore, the inspection revealed that observation records were not always updated promptly and accurately, raising the risk of overlooking patients' needs. The acute wards, which primarily cater to working-age adults, were again rated as ‘requires improvement’ for safety. On a more positive note, the CQC praised the trust for being effective, caring, and responsive, noting that the care provided is often tailored to meet the individual needs of patients. The inspectors found that patients felt involved in their care decisions and commended the cleanliness and tidiness of the wards—an encouraging sign of the trust's commitment to maintaining a safe environment. Despite the CQC's concerns, the trust has been proactive in addressing the areas highlighted for improvement. Gomm expressed gratitude for the hard work of the staff, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing the quality of care available to patients. She reiterated the importance of support offered to patients and their families and acknowledged the positive feedback received from those interacting with staff members on a daily basis. As the CQC continues to monitor the trust’s services closely, further inspections are expected. The findings from this latest inspection serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by mental health services and the imperative need for continuous improvement in safety and care standards within acute wards. The CPFT is committed to making necessary changes and is hopeful that these efforts will lead to better outcomes for patients in the near future.