The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected Kettering General Hospital’s emergency department on 3 February 2020.
The unannounced focused inspection formed part of CQC’s programme of assessments considering how services deal with winter pressures.
Following the inspection, the department is rated Requires Improvement overall. It is also rated Requires Improvement for being safe, responsive and well-led.
The department was previously rated Requires Improvement overall, following a comprehensive inspection of Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in February 2019.
Professor Ted Baker, England’s chief inspector of hospitals, said:
“We saw good and improved practice in Kettering General Hospital’s emergency department, but there were still areas where improvements should be made.
“Assessment and treatment delays had been reduced, but more work was needed.
“Good governance and vision supported an improvement strategy. Managers at most levels had the right skills and abilities, and there was an open culture where everyone could raise concerns. Staff felt respected, supported and valued – helping them focus on patient need.
“Following the inspection, we reported our findings to the trust. Leaders know where improvements are needed. We continue to monitor the department, including through future inspections.”
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We saw good and improved practice in Kettering General Hospital’s emergency department, but there were still areas where improvements should be made
Professor Ted Baker, Chief Inspector of Hospitals