- NHS hospital
Archived: The London Chest Hospital
Important:
This service was previously managed by a different provider - see old profile
All Inspections
7 and 14 November 2013
During a routine inspection
The London Chest Hospital is an acute hospital run by Barts Health NHS Trust, the largest NHS trust in England. It consists of an intensive care unit, a coronary care unit, a high dependency unit, an angiogram day care unit, a cardiac catheter unit, three wards and an outpatients department. It provides treatment and care for patients with heart or lung problems. It has a specialist centre for cardiac emergency care for people who have had a heart attack. It also offers services for patients with allergies and cystic fibrosis.
CQC has inspected the London Chest Hospital twice since it was registered – once in March 2012, when it was found not to be meeting standards relating to the safety and suitability of premises and staffing levels. A follow-up inspection in November 2012 found that improvements had been made and all standards inspected were met.
Before visiting we looked at information about the trust and this hospital. We carried out an announced visit on 7 November 2013 and an unannounced visit on 14 November 2013. We looked at the personal care or treatment records of people who used the service, observed how people were being cared for and talked with people who used the service. We talked with carers, family members, staff and reviewed information that we asked the provider to send to us. We placed comments boxes around the hospital and received a number of completed forms from patients.
The inspection team included CQC inspectors and a variety of specialists: a person representing the public, a director of operations, student nurse and consultant radiologist.
Although the buildings were old and not well suited to modern day care, we found all areas to be clean. People were treated with dignity and respect and were involved in their treatment and care. There was good access to interpreters, particular for the most commonly spoken languages. The majority of patients were very complimentary about their care and the attitude of staff.
Care and treatment were based on nationally recognised clinical guidelines and best practice to ensure that people’s needs were met and good outcomes were achieved.
Staff had received mandatory training and appraisals and had access to continuing professional development and support. Staff expressed pride in working at The London Chest Hospital and, although welcomed the move to a modern facility next year, were keen not to lose the friendly and collaborative culture.
14 November 2012
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Patients spoke highly of the staff at The London Chest Hospital, in particular appreciating the informal, friendly and professional way they provided them with care and treatment. They told us that doctors and nurses gave clear explanations and answered any questions they had about their condition and treatment. Staff were described as being courteous, polite and helpful.
Patients highly praised the hospital and its reputation for providing excellent specialist care. They valued the hard work and positive attitude of the staff. Patients said they felt involved in discussions about their care and said they had sufficient information to make informed decisions about their treatment. Very few people had concerns or complaints about the service they had received.
Staff shared similar positive views about patient experiences of the service. Staff were skilled and knowledgeable in the care and treatment of heart and lung conditions. They told us they received good training and support which helped them to do their work more effectively.
6 March 2012
During an inspection in response to concerns
The patients we spoke with were pleased with their care at the London Chest Hospital. Staff on Riviere Ward were described as friendly, polite and welcoming. Comments included:
"The staff try to help as much as they can. I would be very happy to come back here. It's an excellent service."
"This is the best hospital going."
"It is very good here. Excellent .. The nurses speak to you respectfully. The staff nurses are excellent. There are the odd few, particularly from agencies that are a bit casual and careless. Generally speaking it is excellent. First class."
Patients felt they had been given good information and explanations about their care and treatment options. One person said staff "always explain".
Patients thought there were enough staff to meet their needs and they felt safe.
Most patients said the staff were responsive if they used their call bells or needed to ask questions. We saw staff responding quickly to patients during our inspection.
However one patient on Caplin ward told us that sometimes there were not enough staff and this affected her care. She had waited for two hours for a physiotherapy session to start during a previous admission. Staff also said that there had been problems obtaining enough temporary staff to cover staff absence.
Patients on both wards commented that the ward was clean and they saw staff washing their hands regularly. One person described the cleaning as "scrupulous". The trust had infection control link nurses to provide support to ward staff on cleaning and audit performance.
The London Chest Hospital includes some old buildings and some patients on Caplin ward said that it became very cold at times. These patients said that the cold affected their breathing:
"The last couple of nights have been absolutely freezing. The plumbers have been around this morning, but for it to take two days when you're in my condition is no good... The building is clapped out."
The trust sought and responded to patient feedback. One of the patients we spoke with on Caplin ward had just completed the patient tracker and said they had also written to the Secretary of State for Health to "commend the service."