'Substantial progress' at troubled city hospitals

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.

- SAM VOLPE

The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle is one of the trust's hospitals

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 Journal “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.