Children's services rated good as care improves

Hospital children's services that were judged as requiring improvement in 2018 have now been rated as good by care inspectors.

Staff in children's services at Alexandra Hospital in Redditch had put in significant work, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said, after an unannounced inspection in October.

Praise was given to "one-stop" appointments that helped children miss less time in school, and pre-treatment explanations by staff that made young people less nervous.

The hospital's overall rating, which was given in 2023, is still that it requires improvement, the CQC said.

Sarah Shingler, chief nursing officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS which runs the hospital, said teams continued to work hard, often in challenging circumstances, to offer the best care.

Craig Howarth, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said staff in children's services had set up a one-stop outpatient appointment where they took blood samples at the same time as the appointment.

It helped children and young people miss less time in school and allowed parents or carers to avoid taking more time off work, he said.

He noted how staff explained clearly what they would do before giving treatment, which "helped young people feel comfortable and less nervous".

Inspectors found staff recognised people at risk of harm and worked to protect them, learned from feedback, and kept the environment clean and safe.

They said staff made sure people in most urgent need were seen quickly and people were supported and listened to.

The lack of a funded blood-taking service meant people waited three or more months for a blood test, inspectors said, but leaders planned to develop a dedicated service.

Ms Shingler said it was "a great morale boost", adding: "We will remain focused on continuing the progress we have made and strive to deliver more improvements."

Amrat Mahal, director of nursing for women's and children's services at the NHS trust, said: "This is a tremendous achievement and great recognition."

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