'Positive change' at hospitals since damning report

THE REVIEW SAYS TRUST HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS

- By SAM VOLPE Reporter

The RVI, pictured, and Freeman Hospital are part of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust

HOSPITAL bosses in Newcastle have made "substantial progress" since a shock Care Quality Commission inspection in 2023 resulted in the city's hospital trust losing its "outstanding" rating.

That came amid a series of stark criticisms which highlighted bullying complaints, concerns for patient safety, and a "significant deterioration" in leadership.

At the time the CQC's inspection report was published in January 2024, newly-appointed chief executive Sir Jim Mackey told The Chronicle "urgent action" was under way to improve matters at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust which runs services at the Freeman and RVI hospitals and throughout the city.

Though he has been seconded to lead NHS England for almost a year now, a leadership review produced by external consultants Grant Thornton has backed the work that has taken place under Sir James's watch and that of his interim replacement, Rob Harrison.