Concerns raised in RD&E watchdog report

CONCERNS have been raised by a health watchdog following an unannounced visit to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The Care Quality Commission carried out a routine inspection at the RD&E in November and have now released a report on its findings.

Although the report outlines that “patients experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights” the trust was told action needed to be taken around “consent and treatment, quality assurance and records.”

The report stated that although patients were asked for their consent prior to treatment and the trust acted in accordance with their wishes, some of the records showed that the trust did not always act in accordance with legal requirements in relation to ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ orders. This meant that “inappropriate action could be taken that did not align with patient’s wishes or in their best interests.”

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A spokesman for the CQC said: “Generally, the trust had an effective system to assess and monitor the quality of service. However, in relation to ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ (DNAR) decisions and theatre safety checks the audit process was not fully effective or recorded to ensure that all checks were

made.”

The spokesman added: “We spoke with patients, staff and relatives in the accident and emergency department, pharmacy, medical admission unit, general operating theatres and maternity theatre and nine wards in a range of specialities. We also spent time observing the care in depth of 12 patients who lacked capacity on two wards and looking at records.

Overall, patients experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. Patients understood the care and treatment choices available and were shown respect. Patients were asked for their consent prior to treatment and the trust acted in accordance with their wishes.

“Patients were protected from the risk of abuse because the trust had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. Patients were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the trust had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines.

“Patients were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.”

Read the full report here. Read the full report here.

And read a response from The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital here.