"We are taking steps in the right direction" says health boss

"There can be no excuses for not meeting the expected standards set out in this report and unacceptable that both our staff and patients have historically endured standards of care which fall way below that of which any of us would expect from the NHS for our loved ones.

"The CQC has made a number of recommendations for action in the report which have already been addressed by the Trust since their visit in May.

"An action plan is also in place to ensure delivery of further significant improvements to patient care.

"The report does recognise that the Trust has already made improvements and this drive continues with vigour.

"There is no doubt that we are on a long journey relating to improving the quality of the services we deliver and the feedback, so far, from this inspection shows that we are taking steps in the right direction and beginning to make a difference.”