- NHS hospital
Worthing Hospital
Assessment report published 11 May 2026
Contents
Ratings - Services for children & young people
Our view of the service
We inspected this service on 10 and 11 September 2025 using our single assessment framework and looked at all the key questions and quality statements. This assessment was a comprehensive scheduled assessment. The service had last been assessed on 18 and 19 June 2024. At that assessment the service was rated good but was in breach of regulations relating to safe care and treatment, good governance, and staffing. The service was no longer in breach of regulations relating to governance. At this assessment we found breaches of regulations in relation to safe care and treatment.
We visited all areas where children and young people received care, including Bluefin Ward, Beeding Ward, the day assessment unit, Child Development Centre, operating theatres, outpatient’s department, x-ray department, and the blood testing area. We spoke with more than 60 staff which included: leaders of all levels, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, doctors, allied health professionals, administrators, site coordinators, practice educators, health care assistants and pharmacy technicians.
Staff consistently delivered compassionate, person-centred care and involved children, young people, and families in decisions. Most areas we visited were child-friendly, with play specialists and youth workers supporting wellbeing. Safeguarding systems were robust, and staff understood their responsibilities and infection prevention and control standards improved significantly following targeted interventions. However, the service did not always make sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff and parents reported unclear communication and frequent changes to surgical plans, which were not always well documented, causing stress and uncertainty for children, families and ward staff.
Governance arrangements were strong, with clear accountability and effective risk management. Leaders fostered a culture of openness, learning, and improvement, supported by structured training and development programmes. The service demonstrated good partnership working with external agencies and implemented innovative approaches, such as mental health education programmes and transition planning for young people with long-term conditions.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
We observed care, spoke with children and their families, and reviewed feedback collected by the organisation about people’s experiences. We spoke with 10 children and young people and 30 parents or carers and reviewed children and young people feedback data and survey results.
The 2024 NHS Children and Young People’s and Children’s Patient Experience Survey showed that children experienced generally timely and reliable access to care, with reasonable waiting times and a well‑organised arrival process at the service. Staff communicated warmly and reassured children and young people, effectively managed pain, and listened to children’s concerns, which helped families feel supported during their stay. However, children and parents or carers said they sometimes lacked clear information while waiting, felt uncertain about what would happen next, and reported limited access to food outside mealtimes. Children who stayed overnight experienced disrupted sleep due to hospital lighting, and some families left hospital without fully understanding follow‑up arrangements or who to contact if worried. Overall, children and young people and parents or carers told us access to care as consistent and acceptable, with clear strengths in staff interaction as well as opportunities to improve communication, the environment, and discharge information.
Most areas we visited were suitable for children and young people. Children had access to play specialists who helped reduce distress during hospital visits. Age-appropriate activities were available on the ward, and toys were provided in outpatient clinics for both children and young people and their siblings. Staff offered specialist toys and made reasonable adjustments for children with neurodiversity, including scheduling appointments at quieter times and providing alternative waiting areas to support a positive experience.