Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Ratings - Urgent and emergency services

• Overall

  Requires improvement

• Safe

  Inadequate

• Effective

  Requires improvement

• Caring

  Requires improvement

• Responsive

  Requires improvement

• Well-led

  Requires improvement

Our view of the service

We conducted an on-site, assessment visit of the emergency department for Urgent and Emergency Care on 8-9 December 2025 due to concerns raised.

We found breaches of legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, premises and equipment, staffing and governance.

Following inspection, we issued a Section 31 letter of intent due to significant concerns regarding patient safety.

We undertook a follow up inspection visit on 6 January 2026 to assess actions taken. Due to the lack of progress and assurance regarding these actions, we commenced additional enforcement action due to significant concerns regarding staff and patient safety.

People's experience of this service

Patients reported being treated with kindness, empathy, and compassion - even during busy periods. We observed warm and respectful interactions between staff and patients, with staff explaining procedures and care as they were delivered. However, many others told us about long waits, poor communication, and a lack of support whilst waiting.