Sir Bruce Keogh’s report: The 14 NHS trusts and their failings

Of the 14 trusts investigated by Sir Bruce Keogh’s team, all but Colchester, Dudley and Blackpool are now under special measures. However, the report outlined specific failings at all 14 trusts.

Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

There were seven “never events” – care failings that regulators say should never happen over three years, also concerns over infection control and overnight staffing levels.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Nursing staff levels were not always sufficient and infection control policy was inconsistent.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

There were complaints about treatment of dementia patients and community nurses had delays accessing medical advice out of hours.

Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Staff on some wards had to work 12 days in a row without a rest day and safety checks of medical equipment were inconsistent.

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust

Staffing levels in some high risk wards required urgent review.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Patient complaints process was “not fit for purpose” and inadequate qualified nurse staffing levels on some wards.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

A high number of stillborn babies in March 2013. Staffing levels were low and clinical concerns raised by staff were not addressed. Complaint procedures were “lacking a compassionate approach”.

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

Patients were moved to multiple beds during a single stay, and there was a high instance of bedsores. Low levels of clinical cover, particularly out-of-hours.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Long A&E waiting times, poor communication with patients and patients whose condition was deteriorating were poorly managed. 

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust

Poor maintenance in two operating theatres, which had to be closed immediately. Inadequate staffing levels, over-reliance on locum cover and poor infection control.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Some staff felt that emphasis on finance and targets detracted from quality of care. Serious concerns about out-of-hours stroke services. Patients left exposed in front of others.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Patients were unaware who was caring for them and buzzers were going unanswered. Backlog of complaints dated back to 2010.

Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Patients were left unmonitored on trolleys for hours and there was a culture of accepting below par care.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

There were 12 “never events” in three years, inadequate staffing levels and poor awareness among staff of recent laws affecting care of patients with mental health needs.