Princess Alexandra Hospital goes into special measures

Credit: PA

The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, has gone into special measures.

It comes after the hospital was rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission, following an inspection.

The health watchdog said there was a "deterioration in the quality of some services" since they last visited the hospital a year ago.

Inspectors found "significant capacity issues" and bed shortages. It meant patients were being allocated the next available bed rather than being treated on a ward specifically for their condition.

Other concerns include:

  • Long waits in the emergency department

  • Ambulance handover delays

  • Lack of management oversight

The hospital was criticised for its lack of management oversight. Credit: PA

The hospital's maternity and gynaecology department was rated as "outstanding".