Children's services criticised at three hospitals

Children and young people's services at two hospitals in Essex have been rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors raised concerns after visiting the facilities in Basildon and Broomfield, where they found issues with how youngsters were discharged.

They also downgraded Southend Hospital's services from good to requires improvement.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, said "significant improvements" had been made since the inspection in November.

Inspections were carried out in response to "specific incidents and ongoing concerns" over the safety of children receiving care, the CQC said.

Staff were found to be under "severe pressure" at Basildon University Hospital and often cared for up to 20 children in rooms designed for six.

They told inspectors that high demand and staffing shortages made it difficult to manage risks safely.

The CQC said a "poor safety culture" at Broomfield that made staff afraid to raise concerns.

It was said young people and their families were not always told what was going to happen to them and why.

Inspectors found at both hospitals there were high numbers of children readmitted soon after discharge.

In Southend, inspectors said there was not enough staff on duty to keep young people safe and leaders were not always visible.

However, those working at all three hospitals were said to be kind, caring and engaging with families.

Nicki Abbott, the managing director of the trust's women's and children's services, admitted the report made for "difficult reading".

But she insisted: "We can evidence that we have made real and lasting positive changes to the services.

"While we still have some way to go, we are confident we are providing safe care for families and are committed to making continuing improvements."

Ms Abbott said the trust's priorities were to support staff and provide "consistently safe and high-quality care".

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