CQC rates acute medical care at Charing Cross ‘good’ overall
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its report following the inspection of acute medicine inpatient care at Charing Cross Hospital, carried out in October last year. The unannounced focused inspection was triggered by two patient safety incidents within a two‑month period.
The inspection reviewed the ‘well‑led’, ‘safe’ and ‘caring’ domains of the CQC framework. Care was rated ‘good’ overall. Staff were praised for their openness, responsiveness and strong commitment to person‑centred care. Teams took account of each patient’s strengths, background and protected characteristics, while leaders were visible, supportive and focused on driving continuous improvement.
In terms of improvements, the report highlighted the need for clearer systems to monitor safety from a patient perspective, up‑to‑date safeguarding training and policies, and stronger processes for managing environmental and infection control risks. The report also noted shortfalls in staff awareness of the Trust’s vision and strategy, and of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
Professor Frances Bowen, divisional director of medicine and integrated care, said: “We welcome the CQC’s findings and are already making improvements in the areas highlighted. Our staff are genuinely committed to providing the very best care, every day, and I’m hugely grateful for all their hard work.”
The full CQC report is available to read here.
