Health watchdog rates leadership at Mid and South Essex hospitals as "inadequate"
This follows an inspection in May
The Care Quality Commission has rated leadership at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust as "inadequate" following an inspection in May.
The trust's three main hospital sites, Southend, Broomfield, and Basildon Hospitals, provide services to over a million people.
It says that it found "serious and systemic failures in leadership" and that people were put "at risk."
It also noted that staff felt "disconnected from senior leaders, undervalued, and unable to raise concerns without fear."
Inspectors found that the trust "struggled to complete mandatory reviews of deaths in a timely manner, with only 65% of reviews completed in time."
"Staff engagement and morale were among the lowest in the country."
"Staff didn't feel safe raising concerns." Only around 6 in 10 would feel secure to raise concerns, and "only 40.5% felt confident the organisation would address their concerns."
In response, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said that they are "bringing in new ways of working."
Chief Executive Dawn Scrafield said: “We are deeply sorry for having failed our patients and staff. We know that they deserve better from us.
“We understand the depth of people’s concerns. We fully accept the findings of the report and are committed to bringing about the improvements needed as quickly and sustainably as possible. We will ensure that the quality of our services improves at pace and will work with our staff, patients and partners to achieve this.
“We have begun to make the changes needed with a detailed improvement plan supported by a new organisational structure which will simplify the way in which we operate to clarify roles and accountabilities. Our new operating model will strengthen clinical leadership across the Trust and equip our hospitals to deliver high quality care. We will support our leaders and ensure that we all work together to develop a culture of compassion, respect and excellence.”