CQC inspection finds areas of good practice
A Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust
found areas of good practice in Medical Care, and Urgent and Emergency Care services at
Arrowe Park Hospital.
Medical Care has been rated as ‘Good’ by inspectors in the ‘Effective’, ‘Caring’ and ‘Well-led’
domains.
In the ‘Effective’ domain, inspectors noted that staff worked together as a team to benefit
patients and provide safe care and followed policies and guidelines to plan and deliver care.
The inspectors also noted that the service had relevant information promoting healthy lifestyles
and support on the wards and units.
In the ‘Caring’ domain, inspectors highlighted that staff listened to and understood people’s
needs, views and wishes, responding to people’s needs in the moment and acted to minimise
any discomfort, concern or distress.
The caring nature of staff supporting other staff members’ strengths, abilities, aspirations,
culture and protected characteristics was also highlighted by inspectors. Also, recognised was
the service caring about and promoting the wellbeing of staff and supporting them to always
deliver person-centred care.
In the ‘Well-Led’ domain, inspectors found that staff and leaders had a shared a commitment
to improving services for patients and their families. The service demonstrated a good
standard of care, had a shared direction and culture with inclusive leaders at all levels who
embodied the culture and values of the organisation.
The inspectors found that leaders led effectively with integrity, openness and honesty.
Urgent and Emergency Care has been rated as ‘Good’ by inspectors in the ‘Effective’ domain.
The inspectors found that staff ensured people’s care and treatment is effective by assessing
and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing, and communication needs with them, ensuring
patients with emergency, major or minor conditions received appropriate care and treatment.
According to inspectors, mental health risks were well managed, the safeguarding team was
approachable, and staff were aware of how to seek support from the designated safeguarding
nurse and of note, the provision of care bags for autistic people and people with disabilities
was recognised.
Inspectors highlighted some areas for improvement such as patient flow and bed occupancy
with pressure on hospital services recognised as an issue nationally. The on-going work to
enhance patient flow, including the provision of Same Day Emergency Care services was also
recognised.
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “We welcome
the report from the Care Quality Commission as it helps us continue to make improvements
in what is a challenging time for all NHS services. It is reassuring that inspectors recognised
aspects of our services as ‘Good’ and highlighted how effective our services are.
“As with other Trusts, our Urgent and Emergency Care Services have faced very high levels
of attendances throughout the year. We are close to completing our brand new Urgent and
Emergency Care Facility which will greatly improve patient experience when it opens next
year.
“Our staff continue to work extremely hard to provide quality care for our patients and we have
plans in place to ensure our staff feel supported as we head into a busy winter period.”
Following the unannounced CQC inspection of Medical Care, and Urgent and Emergency
Care Services at Arrowe Park Hospital in May 2025, both services were given an overall rating
of ‘Requires Improvement’.
As this inspection was focussed on the Medical Care and Urgent and Emergency Services,
the result does not change the current CQC overall Trust rating for the three hospitals in Wirral
University Hospital Teaching Trust, which is ‘Requires Improvement’.
Note to editors:
To view the CQC inspection report visit the CQC website.