Health watchdog carries out second unannounced inspection at DRI

Care Quality Commission inspectors have begun an unnanounced inspection of the paediatric services department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital.

It follows a visit before Christmas when a snap inspection took place over concerns for the safety of staff and patients,

A spokesperson at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said of the latest inspection: "We welcome the Care Quality Commission’s visit to our paediatric services at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital.

“Inspections are an important part of ensuring we continue to provide safe, high-quality care for our patients and families.

“We will support the inspection process fully and look forward to receiving their feedback.”

An email sent to staff and seen by the Free Press informing them of the inspection has been sent out by Zara Jones and Karen Jessop, Acting Chief Executive and Chief Nurse Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust repsectively.

It said: “We wanted to let you know that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is currently undertaking an unannounced inspection of our paediatric services at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital.

“We expect the inspection team to be with us for the next few days and we will confirm when the visit comes to a close.

“During their visit, the CQC may speak with patients and colleagues, observe care, review records and policies, and look at the environments in which we provide treatment.

“Please continue to operate as normal. Our focus remains on delivering the very best care for our patients and families at all times.

“The inspection team understand this and will work around clinical activity.

“They may ask you or your colleagues a few questions, and we welcome the opportunity to share the fantastic work you do every day across Team DBTH.

“As ever, please offer a warm welcome, be open and honest, and take pride in the care you provide.”

Before Christmas, a snap inspection of DRI’s A&E department took place.

It came after it whistleblowing medic Dr Tim Noble, who was suspended for more than a year before later being dismissed, revealed concerns about bullying and harassment while some staff spoke of a “toxic” culture at the hospital.

After the December visit, a CQC spokesperson, said: “Following concerns received about risks to people, CQC carried out an inspection of urgent and emergency services at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, part of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, on 8 and 9 December.

“The findings from that inspection will be published in a report on CQC’s website when it’s been through the usual quality assurance processes.

“CQC’s priority, at all times, is the health and wellbeing of people using health and social care services, and all information we receive informs our monitoring of services and future inspections.

“We’d encourage anyone who has concerns about a health and social care service to let us know.

"This can be done by emailing [email protected] or via our customer service centre on 03000 616161.”

The Care Quality Commission is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care and was established in 2009 to regulate and inspect health and social care providers in England.