Warning over poor care at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust

CRISIS-hit Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust has been threatened with legal action after an inspection uncovered failings in patient care.

A warning has been issued by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after the watchdog found patients’ privacy and dignity were not being respected on Ward Two at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

Inspectors found that patients had long waits before being helped to the toilet, bed bells went unanswered for long periods of time and staff were under too much pressure.

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Their report said: “The evidence gathered on inspection showed that on one ward of the hospital people’s privacy, dignity and independence were not being respected. There were significant shortfalls in this area and improvements were needed.”

Malcolm Bower-Brown, deputy director of CQC in the North said: “This warning sends a clear message that Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust needs to address these issues or face serious consequences.”

The unannounced inspection was to check on progress after an earlier warning over patient care in maternity services.

The trust said an action plan had been implemented and those responsible for poor care had been held to account.

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Stephen Eames, Mid Yorkshire’s interim chief executive, said: “I would like to apologise unreservedly to the patients and families of those whose care has clearly not been good enough.

“Clearly all this will be distressing news for patients currently receiving care on Ward Two. My colleagues have spoken to those patients as well as their families and carers to reassure them we are taking this seriously and we have already taken action to improve standards.”