Colchester Hospital CEO issues 'heartfelt apology' following another damning report
Video report by ITV News Anglia's Kate Prout
The Chief Executive of Colchester Hospital has made a "heartfelt apology" to patients following another damning report from the health watchdog.
The trust has been in special measures for two years but the CQC says that things are as bad as ever.
The latest inspection took place in April and found serious concerns about clinical leadership, bullying on one of the wards and a shortage of staff.
"We need to take a long hard look at ourselves in the mirror. We arenot consistently delivering a high quality of care to the people we serve in a timely and efficient manner," Chief Executive Nick Hulme said in a statement.
“People in north east Essex deserve better from their local hospital trust and I want to give them a heartfelt apology. We have not been good enough and need to do better.”
What the CQC inspectors found
Concerns surrounding a "bullying culture" on the Peldon Ward were raised with inspectors.
There was also concerns about the care of patients on the same ward. In fact, inspectors have told the trust to take immediate action to ensure patients are protected from the risk of harm and abuse.
There was a lack of leadership in the Emergency Department and doctors "were disengaged in the delivery of a safe, effective and responsive service".
The streaming process did not function effectively due to staff shortages and there was no plan in place if there weren't enough staff.
Many patients were left in the corridor near the ambulance bay in the Emergency Department because the department was so full.
Despite some improvements, the management and trust board still lacked a "robust grip" on identifying risks and the pace of improvement was too slow.
The CQC’s Chief Inspector of Hospitals Professor Sir Mike Richards admitted he was desperately disappointed with the lack of progress.