CQC reports on imaging at Whipps Cross and the Royal London hospitals | Our news

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published reports on diagnostic imaging at The Royal London Hospital and Whipps Cross Hospital following inspections in May 2021. 

Whipps Cross has now been rated as inadequate in the safe and well-led domain with an overall rating of inadequate for the diagnostic imaging service. The Royal London Hospital will be rated at a later date when it has been assessed under the new diagnostic imaging service. 

While the safety of our patients was not impacted and no harm was caused, the CQC highlighted issues around maintenance and use of premises and equipment, as well as a lack of oversight of environmental and equipment risks.  

There were also some concerns around allegations of bullying in the department. 

Patient safety is the highest priority for the trust, as is the safety and security of staff and patients. Urgent steps have been taken to ensure concerns were rectified without delay.  

Dame Alwen Williams, DBE, Group Chief Executive of Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “We will be ensuring staff have the resources to sustain improvements we need to make and there is appropriate oversight and processes in place for escalating wellbeing issues. We have a responsibility to listen to what our hard working team are saying, and respond appropriately and sensitively.    

“It is also concerning to hear that some staff have had experience of bullying, harassment and sexism. This is unacceptable and we are committed to eliminating discrimination, ensuring equality of opportunity and promoting good relations between all people. We are continuing to investigate every complaint made. 

“Our imaging service is an important service for our local residents and we are accelerating our efforts to make lasting change happen more quickly.” 

Read more:

• The Royal London Hospital CQC report
• Whipps Cross Hospital CQC report