SOLIHULL Hospital’s outpatient services have been rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), writes Hannah Taylor.
The comprehensive inspection was carried out in March as part of CQC’s routine monitoring of services and was the first time the outpatient department was inspected as a stand-alone service.
The inspection found staff involved patients in planning their own care and focused on meeting their individual needs and preferences.
Staff told inspectors they enjoyed working at Solihull Hospital and their departments ‘felt like a family’.
The hospital has a culture of listening and collaboration, demonstrated by multiple opportunities to share feedback, ideas or complaints through regular surveys.
Leaders proactively supported staff and worked alongside partners to ensure consistent, person-centred and sustainable care.
They were also actively working to reduce waiting times in the department by increasing the number of clinics.
Charlotte Rudge, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said: “We found that staff in the outpatient service at Solihull Hospital delivered safe care with kindness and compassion.
“Our experience tells us when a service has strong leadership and staff committed to providing excellent care, it is likely to meet people’s needs which is what we found here.
“Staff focused on what mattered to the person they were caring for, as a result they felt valued, listened to and understood.
“When people raised concerns about safety, leaders and staff worked together to identify learning opportunities and improvements.
“Leaders and staff at the service should be proud of the many positive findings of this report, which reflect their dedication to providing a safe and caring service.”
The report will be published on the Care Quality Commission’s website in the coming days.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West and Shirley, said: “This is a hugely welcome endorsement of the outstanding care being delivered at Solihull Hospital.
“This report is a testament to the professionalism, compassion and commitment of the staff and leadership across the outpatient departments.
“I recently met with the hospital’s leadership and it’s clear to me that Solihull Hospital not only has the foundations to maintain its high standards but also the potential to go even further, positioning itself as a trailblazer in delivering innovative and integrated urgent care.
“What stands out most is the strong culture of putting patients first, whether that’s ensuring personalised care, reducing waiting times through innovative programmes or supporting individuals with additional needs.
“I would like to thank all those working at Solihull Hospital for their tireless efforts and continued dedication to our community’s health and wellbeing.”