Improvements still needed at Harlow's The Princess Alexandra Hospital
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has again rated the hospital as 'requires improvement'
Last updated 30th Jul 2026
The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow requires improvement according to inspectors, following a review of its medical care, surgery, and urgent and emergency services.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an inspection in November with concerns raised about overcrowding and leadership.
Sarah Ivory-Donnelly, CQC deputy director of hospitals in the east of England, said:
“We found shortfalls in people’s safety across all three services that we inspected at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Leaders had identified most of these themselves, but were addressing them with varying degrees of success."
Inspectors also found 'staff on the surgery wards weren’t completing all risk assessments consistently' and there was still 'intense pressure on the emergency department'.
Ivory-Donnelly continued: "This created some long waits and crowding during times of high demand, impacting people’s privacy and quality of care."
The CQC has requested action plans from the trust to address the concerns found, and said the trust has acted immediately to make improvements.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said: “We accept the findings of the CQC report and recognise that, at the time of the inspection, there were areas where we needed to improve.
“Since the inspection, we have taken clear action and made significant and sustained improvements for patients. As a result of operational changes, we have reduced waiting times and improved patient access to care.
“The report includes positive feedback from patients about the kindness and dedication of our staff, and I see that every day. We take confidence from the improvements we are making, while remaining honest about the work still ahead.
“I want to thank every colleague for their continued commitment, compassion and professionalism, and for everything they are doing to support our patients, our communities and each other.”