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A report has identified significant improvements in patient care at a Manchester hospital since it was branded “chaotic” and “despicable” by a coroner.
Inquests into the deaths of three patients led to the criticisms of Tameside General Hospital, coroner John Pollard. NHS North West ordered an independent review following the hearings Mr Pollard held in September 2006.
The initial review was led last March by Dame Pauline Fielding and fellow experienced nurse Liz Craig, who concluded that the care of elderly patients had been deficient. They added that standards fell short of the quality expected.
After a number of visits to the hospital to observe patient care, the pair believe “considerable progress” has been made.
Dame Pauline said: “The Trust has invested considerable resources and made significant improvements in patient care over the last 12 months. The commitment of the executive team and the motivation of staff in the clinical areas is evident and impressive.”
Christine Green, chief executive of Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, welcomed the report.
She said: “Staff in every ward and department have contributed to the improvements highlighted in the report and everyone is pleased and proud of what has been achieved.”
Copyright PA Business 2008
