As you will be aware, our Trust has been receiving intensive support as part of the Recovery Support Programme (RSP). Its aim was to support our teams to make the improvements to governance, quality and safety that would mean safer and more effective services for our local communities.
Over the last 18 months, our teams have been working extremely hard to improve, making some significant changes to the way services are delivered and monitored. Some examples of improvements include:
- An overall improvement in Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) data with our stroke services at FGH scoring an A and our services at RLI scoring a B in the most recent quartile
- The removal of all regulatory restrictions for our stroke and maternity services
- The roll out of our new Quality Governance Assurance Framework that sets out the Trust’s approach to ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clear and that there are robust systems of governance and accountability in place at all levels to support the delivery of high quality, sustainable services
- The opening of a £2million Urgent Treatment Centre at the RLI to enhance care for patients and to help reduce pressure on the Emergency Department
- The launch of our Fundamentals of Care Programme which aims to get the basics of quality of care - safety, effectiveness and patient experience - right every time
Over recent months, the System Improvement Board (SIB) - made up of colleagues from NHS England (NHSE), Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), local authority, Care Quality Commission, General Medical Council and Health Education England - has been reviewing our progress. I’m pleased to share that the SIB has unanimously recognised the improvements in governance, quality and safety that have been achieved because of your hard work.
In recognition of this, NHSE is reducing the oversight arrangements that they have in place with the Trust and has asked us to work with our ICB directly in managing our onward improvement locally. NHSE is now reviewing whether we need to continue to access support from the RSP as part of our ongoing improvement journey.
This is positive news and true recognition of all your efforts. However, it is only the first step on a long road of improvement, and we cannot slow down now. We must keep moving at pace to ensure that our local communities are getting the standard of care they deserve.
Thank you for your continued support; we will keep you updated.
Aaron Cummins
Chief Executive