City hospitals set to face largest-ever inspections

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will descend on hospitals in Leeds next month as part of a programme of visits to organisations where there have been concerns about standards.

Up to 70 people will look at standards of services at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital, as well as other units.

The inspectors will include representatives from the CQC as well as members of the public and staff from other hospitals.

A similar inspection is currently underway this week at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, Hull.

Last year it was revealed that the Leeds trust was among 24 nationwide classed as having a much higher risk of providing poor care to patients. This was due to issues including higher rates of the potentially deadly superbug Clostridium difficile and problems training doctors.

Chief nurse Suzanne Hinchliffe said the inspection would not be a judgment on safety and would focus on whether the trust provided good, effective care.

In advance of the visit, the CQC is asking for patients or former patients to give their views about care received.

Anyone who wants to give feedback can call the CQC on 03000 616161 between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays, write to its National Customer Service Centre, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA, or email [email protected].