CQC report finds patient safety risks at Essex and Suffolk hospitals

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 05:02 · Archive

The Care Quality Commission rated East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust's leadership as requiring improvement, citing patient safety risks.

The Care Quality Commission has rated East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust's leadership as requiring improvement following an inspection in November 2025. The report identified patient safety risks at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, caused by weak oversight, decision-making and delivery of priorities.

Inspectors found that staff did not always monitor patients' basic needs, including food and fluids. People needing mental health support also faced delays in A&E. Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said the findings make for 'difficult reading' and the concerns identified by the CQC must be taken 'extremely seriously'.

Mr Abbott noted that since the inspection, new chief executive Paul Scott has been appointed. He said there has been acknowledgement of the challenges facing the trust and a renewed determination to drive improvement. Mr Abbott welcomed the commitment to reducing emergency waiting times and ending corridor care, saying no patient should be treated in a waiting room or car park without dignity or privacy.

Caroline Hennessy, UNISON Eastern's head of health, said the findings exposed a gap between dedicated staff and senior leaders, stating that whilst staff's dedication shines through the report, 'there's only so much they can do when senior leaders refuse to listen'.

How it is being reported

• MP warns hospital trust must act after damning CQC reportIpswich MP Jack Abbott says concerns over ESNEFT's leadership must be taken "extremely seriously" after a CQC report highlighted patient safety risks.Ipswich Star · 20 Oct, 04:30
• MP warns hospital trust must act after damning CQC reportIpswich MP Jack Abbott says concerns over ESNEFT's leadership must be taken "extremely seriously" after a CQC report highlighted patient safety risks.East Anglian Daily Times · 20 Oct, 04:30

In this story: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust · Care Quality Commission · Jack Abbott · Paul Scott · Ipswich · Colchester · Caroline Hennessy

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