- NHS hospital
Queen's Medical Centre
Assessment report published 6 November 2026
Contents
Ratings - Medical care (Including older people's care)
Our view of the service
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust was formed in 2006. It was formed through the merger of the Queen's Medical Centre NHS Trust and Nottingham City Hospital. The Trust provides acute healthcare services for over 1,000,000 people a year across Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas and is a major specialist centre. The trust provides general and acute hospital care across three hospital sites: Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham City Hospital and Ropewalk House. The Trust also provides community services.
Some medical services are located at the Queens Medical Centre (QMC). Some of the medical services available at QMC support emergency medical admissions for health care of the elderly and other acute medical specialities via the accident and emergency department; as well as planned patient admissions.
Queens Medical Centre was last inspected in 2019. Medicine was rated as Good overall. The key questions were rated as Good for safe, effective, and caring with Outstanding for responsive and Good for well led. We carried out an unannounced inspection on the 21 and 22 April 2026. At this inspection the rating has remained good.
During the inspection we visited the Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU), the stroke unit, the acute stroke unit, ward C51 ward 51, ward B47, ward C54 ward B47 ward B49, ward B48 ward C53 the Advanced Respiratory Care Unit (ARCU), the discharge lounge, the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, the Transfer of Care Unit, (TOCU) the discharge lounge. We attended 3 nursing huddles, one multidisciplinary meeting, 1 nursing handover and 1 board round. We spoke with members of the Integrated Discharge Team (IDT) doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants and patients. We reviewed 19 cases patient records and 14 Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) forms.
Staff had the skills and knowledge they needed, and there was evidence of effective multi-disciplinary teamwork and communication to promote and support positive patient outcomes. People’s care plans were up to date and reflected their current needs, choices and risks which enabled staff to provide coordinated and personalised support. Ward leaders promoted an open and inclusive culture and maintained oversight of the service through regular checks and audits. Staff felt supported, valued and able to raise issues within the local leadership team, there was a consistent approach towards recognising and celebrating staff success.
There were processes in place to manage patient safety incidents. When things went wrong, staff apologised and gave people honest information and suitable support. Staff had the required levels of training to safeguard vulnerable adults and children and took action to keep people safe from avoidable harm and abuse.
The design, maintenance and use of facilities, premises, and equipment kept people safe. The service had enough staff with the right skills, training and experience who received effective support, supervision, and development.
Leaders ran services well, using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services.
However, although some staff we spoke with were aware of the strategy for the service, not all staff were. Staff told us that senior leaders were not visible on the wards, however managers had a regular presence. Not all Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) forms were completed correctly.
People's experience of this service
Patients, their families, and care givers were positive about the care and treatment they received at Queens Medical Centre. They told us they were listened to, and that staff were approachable. Patients felt communication was good and that they were informed of care options and treatment plans. They felt staff were visible on the wards, and they saw medical staff daily and told us their needs were met.
Patients told us they felt safe and knew how to raise concerns and make complaints. Apologies were offered when care and treatment was not in accordance with hospital policy.
However, patients told us the staff were very busy, and one family said they had not been informed of a patient’s diagnosis until 2 days after they had been admitted to the ward.