CQC ‘impressed’ by Hillingdon district nursing services
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report on Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust community health services for adults, following an inspection.
The inspection, which took place in October, covered three district nursing services in Hillingdon including the Hayes and Harlington, Laurel Lodge and Oak Farm teams.
These teams support housebound adult patients by providing nursing care in their own homes or other community settings.
The inspection was undertaken because all district nursing teams in London are under pressure and facing staff shortages, and CQC needed to assess the impact of this on people’s care.
No ratings were issued because it was focused on specific concerns, and the organisation remains rated good overall.
Jane Ray, CQC deputy director for London said: “Despite the pressure community health services face due to staff shortages affecting services across the country, we were impressed with the care people using Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust’s community health services for adults received.
“The service had enough staff, and the use of flexible working had helped it reduce vacancies. This supported the service to provide safe and timely care to people.
“This was enhanced by the service’s compliance with training targets, and its management of records and risks that could affect people’s safety.”
Vanessa Odlin, Hillingdon Community Services Director said: “I am absolutely delighted for the Hillingdon District Nurses who have worked incredibly hard to maintain a caring and compassionate team.
“I am incredibly proud of their dedication to patient care in Hillingdon and CNWL.”
During the visit, the inspection team spoke with 12 staff members including the clinical service manager, district nurses, community staff nurses, palliative link nurse and deputy district nurses.
They conducted a tour of the service environments, observed a home visit and reviewed polices as well as incident and patient care records.