‘Good’ rating for Stepping Hill A&E

Stepping Hill Hospital’s A&E department has been rated ‘good’ in a new CQC report, bringing a welcome boost to Stockport NHS colleagues in the New Year.

The Stockport Hospital’s emergency department was rated ‘inadequate’ by the healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), in August 2020. The updated rating for the service comes following an unannounced visit from CQC inspectors in November 2021 to review progress made since their previous report.

On their return visit CQC inspectors rated the services as “good” overall and “good” across four of the five domains they review – safe, effective, caring and well-led. Staff received praise for the good care and treatment they provide to patients, who they treat with compassion and kindness, and the emotional support they provide to patients, families and carers.

Karen James OBE, Chief Executive, said:

“This is good news for colleagues, who have put so much work in over many months to making improvements; and good news for patients, who can be assured about the quality of care they receive in our emergency department.

“The latest rating from the CQC is a testament to not only the work our A&E team has put into improving the services, but also to the support they have received from many teams and individuals across the organisation, as well as in our partner organisations. Making these improvements has been a Trust-wide – and at times, a system-wide effort – and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to so many positive changes.”

The inspection report published by the CQC also highlights that the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the A&E department at Stepping Hill Hospital, had ensured there were enough staff to run the service, leaders ran the department well, and team members felt respected, supported and valued. Karen James added:

“The CQC’s latest report comes at a time when our services are under extreme pressure as a result of the impact of COVID-19 and the seasonal illnesses the NHS always sees at this time of the year. It has undoubtedly given our hard working colleagues a much needed boost.

I would ask local people to continue to support them by taking up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19, following national guidance to reduce the risk of spreading the virus; and making considered choices about where they need to receive care – only attending the emergency department if they truly need emergency care or have been advised to attend by their GP or the 111 service.”