- NHS hospital
Bassetlaw District General Hospital
Assessment report published 3 August 2026
Contents
Ratings - Services for children & young people
Our view of the service
The children and young people (CYP) assessment at Bassetlaw District General Hospital took place on 22 and 23 April 2026, with additional interviews completed on 7th and 14 May 2026. All 33 quality statements were assessed. The service was rated good overall.
The service had a proactive and positive safety culture, characterised by openness, transparency and a commitment to learning. Safety incidents were investigated thoroughly, with learning shared across multidisciplinary teams to improve practice. Effective safeguarding systems were in place, supported by good partnership working with external agencies.
Leadership was visible and supportive. Staff described escalation processes as clear and effective. Clinical staff demonstrated appropriate knowledge and use of paediatric advanced warning systems (PAWS) to identify deterioration. There was an effective system in place to transfer patients who required a higher level of acute care.
This assessment followed concerns identified at our last assessment in 2017, including workforce capacity, culture, and care for children with mental health needs. Since our last assessment senior leaders had become actively involved in clinical areas to maintain safety and provide support.
Mental health training provision had improved. Risk assessments were in place, staff had completed relevant training, and access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) support and a dedicated mental health champion strengthened care delivery.
The unit had a mental health assessment room in place.
However, some concerns remained:
The service did not fully meet Facing the Future standards.
Staff told us they were concerned regarding staffing of the Children’s Assessment Unit, however this was currently under review as the service had expanded to 24 hour care.
There was low compliance in paediatric life support training for nursing staff and variable performance in the use of the paediatric advanced warning score tool.
We found that progress against actions arising from previous audits had not been effectively tracked or documented. In addition, there was no consent audit programme or formal children’s strategy in place.
People's experience of this service
Parents, children and young people described positive experiences. They told us nursing staff were kind and caring. Privacy and dignity was respected and families were offered a side room when children and young people were staying for longer periods.
Families, children and young people were encouraged to participate in agreeing care plans. Staff took the time to speak with the child and / or young person and only approached the parent when needed for further information.