An inspection by the Care Quality Commission has resulted in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s urgent and emergency services rating being downgraded

Following an unannounced inspection of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), inspectors concluded that the hospital had fallen short in a number of areas, resulting in its urgent and emergency services rating being downgraded to ‘requires improvement’. 

The report notes several concerns, notably infection prevention and control, including poor bare-below-the-elbow compliance and unsafe practice. Mandatory training compliance for medical staff was low for all modules. 

Bed rail risk assessments were not always completed or reviewed, and patients were treated in unsuitable and unsafe areas, with limited privacy and dignity.

Many issues seem to stem from overcrowding. 

CQC deputy director of hospitals in the North-East and Yorkshire, Chris Storton, reported that staff faced periods of high demand, resulting in safety issues. Furthermore, he noted: “We saw corridor care compromising people’s safety, privacy and dignity, with limited staff available to provide safe care”. 

Inspectors found variations in how quickly staff administered medicines to people at risk of sepsis, long waiting times without food or drink, patients waiting without being offered pain relief, and bed rail assessments not being carried out, increasing the risk of falls. 

In a response published by the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital said: 

“Patient safety is our absolute priority. Since the inspection in January, when we were experiencing some of our highest ever levels of attendance, we have already undertaken significant work to address the CQC’s concerns.” 

It added: “That is not where we want to be, and we take full responsibility for putting it right.”

The findings indicate the problems that overcrowding and understaffing can have on patient comfort, dignity and safety during hours when the department is busiest across the health service.

Despite shortcomings, the hospital has maintained its ‘good’ overall rating by the CQC in the hospital-wide report. The report noted the compassionate and respectful care offered by staff, with patients and family being involved in decisions surrounding their care.