The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report after an inspection of some services at Colchester Hospital.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs the hospital, acknowledges and welcomes the CQC’s feedback.
The inspection, in April 2025, focused on medical care (including older people’s care) and urgent and emergency services. The overall rating for these services is ‘requires improvement’.
While this outcome is not what the Trust aspires to, our teams are committed to learn from the CQC’s findings. Decisive action has been taken to address the areas identified for improvement.
The report highlights areas which clearly need to improve. What it recognises, too, is the dedication, compassion, and hard work of staff. It also highlights positive feedback from patients and their families about the care they have received.
Since the inspection, significant steps have been taken to address the recommendations. These include:
- Strengthening recruitment to boost staffing in key areas.
- Updating policies and guidance to make sure care is delivered to best practice standards.
- Providing extra mental health training for staff in urgent and emergency care.
- Reducing corridor care in our emergency department.
- Implementing EpicEPR, our new electronic patient record system, to improve documentation and communication.
The Trust has also launched a new Fundamentals of Care Board, focusing on five key areas:
- Improving staffing, leadership, and morale.
- Strengthening training and compliance with national standards.
- Improving timely access to medicines and therapies.
- Enhancing discharge planning and communication.
- Improving safety practices and infection control protocols.
A commitment to high-quality care
Nick Hulme is ESNEFT Chief Executive. He said: “Delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care remains our top priority.
“While the CQC’s findings are a clear reminder of where we must do better, they also reflect the incredible, ongoing efforts of our staff.
“This report reflects a point in time. A significant amount of work has taken place since the inspection in April. We are determined to build on that progress and to make sure every patient receives the best possible care.
“I want to thank all our teams for their ongoing dedication and compassion. I would also like to reassure our communities that we remain focused on delivering the safe, high-quality care they rightly expect.
“We will continue to act with urgency and determination to improve. We are absolutely committed to providing the best possible care for our patients and their families every day.”
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