West Cumberland Hospital Failings

Posted: October 31, 2013

Posted in: Medical Negligence 

After inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reviewed West Cumberland Hospital last month, the standard of care provided to patients is still not good enough. The team visited the hospital after it was put under special measures for high death rates, alongside 10 other hospitals, following the summer’s Keogh review, but found little improvement. North Cumbria Hospitals Trust has admitted to these failings, saying that they are trying to make improvements where they can. 

A previous inspection was carried out in the Whitehaven-based hospital in May, which found worrying standards of care. Inspectors said that patients were waiting longer in accident and emergency than appropriate, with many patients being moved from ward to ward on a frequent, and unnecessary, basis. The inspection in May also found that there was a severe staff shortage, with those on duty working extremely long hours under “immense pressure”. It was also highlighted that the hospital had a failing system in record keeping.

Very few changes noted

The inspection carried out last month has uncovered some minor improvements, yet agreed standards are still not being met. Although record keeping has seen drastic changes, staff are still working under immense pressure due to understaffing, and A&E waiting times have not improved.

The Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was due to take on the West Cumberland Hospital and Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary on the 1st of October, but this has been delayed due to their lack of improvement.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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