UPDATE: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has just announced a significant milestone for the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), lifting 59 of 60 registration conditions related to emergency care for under-18s at its facilities. This urgent update comes as the trust prepares to inform its board today, January 15, 2025, about this pivotal change.
The lifted conditions reflect the trust’s notable progress in ensuring timely and effective emergency care for young patients at both the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital. Chief Executive Jo Williams confirmed that the CQC has approved the removal of specific conditions that mandated monthly reporting on under-18s not triaged within 15 minutes or not seen by the pediatric team within one hour.
In a report to the board, Williams explained that these lifted conditions included the need to report on avoidable harm and provide audit results to guarantee proper management of children in emergency situations. However, one condition remains, requiring an initial assessment of all patients within 15 minutes upon arrival. Williams noted that the trust is making significant strides towards meeting this requirement, with a review expected in the coming months.
The latest CQC report, published in May 2024, rated SaTH as “requires improvement,” but there is more positive news. Williams is expected to share that SaTH has surged 17 places in national league tables, now ranking 96 out of 134 trusts for the second quarter of the year. This marks a vital escape from the bottom quartile, a major achievement for the trust.
Despite these advancements, SaTH remains under heightened oversight due to ongoing financial recovery efforts. Williams explained that the trust’s financial deficit keeps it within the highest level of oversight, stating, “Any trust which has a financial deficit cannot move beyond NOF 5.”
Williams, who also leads the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (Shropcom), expressed optimism for the future after the integration of both boards last year. She thanked staff members for their unwavering dedication, particularly during the holiday season, emphasizing their commitment to patient care over personal time with families.
“We acknowledge that further improvements are needed in our emergency care performance, but this year has shown significant progress compared to last year,” she stated, reinforcing the trust’s determination to enhance services continually.
As the situation develops, the focus will remain on the trust’s efforts to uphold and improve emergency care standards while navigating financial challenges. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on the trust’s progress and the final lifting of the remaining condition.
This is a crucial moment for SaTH, marking a new chapter in its commitment to providing exemplary care for young patients. The ongoing efforts and resilience of the dedicated staff reflect a hopeful outlook for the health services in Shropshire.
