Gynaecology departments run by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust have achieved a Good rating following a Care Quality Commission review.
The evaluation took place at University Hospital, where the gynaecology unit was awarded Good marks overall and across all five main areas: safety, effectiveness, care quality, responsiveness and leadership.
Inspectors praised the department’s robust learning environment, comprehensive reviews of incidents, hygienic and secure premises, thoughtful patient care, effective collaboration between different specialist teams and approachable management. Patients indicated they felt secure and received excellent treatment, while healthcare workers were complimented for their decency, dignity, understanding and expertise.
The review also noted the department’s efforts to widen availability of services and address disparities in health, including programmes designed to bring women’s healthcare closer to people in local areas.
Inspectors observed that employees showed genuine enthusiasm for development, new approaches and studies, covering robotic operations for non-cancerous gynaecological conditions and continuing work to create an Endometriosis Centre — a target accomplished earlier this year when the Trust obtained recognition from the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy.
Group Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Andrea Hargreaves stated that the gynaecology staff deliver treatment during some of the most significant, personal and challenging periods in women’s lives, and expressed satisfaction that inspectors witnessed the kindness, expertise and regard that workers demonstrate to each person in their care.
She noted that the findings acknowledge the efforts underway to refine care pathways, promote women’s health and increase accessibility. She added that the organisation would build upon this favourable assessment while continuing to listen to patients, assist employees and develop services for women and their families.
The unit provides outpatient appointments, overnight stays and day case procedures, maintains a 24-hour Emergency Gynaecology Unit, delivers specialist oncology treatment and performs numerous operations including both open and keyhole techniques. The CQC identified one aspect needing development related to staff training adherence.
Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, commented that the Good rating reflects the commitment, abilities and compassion of the gynaecology workforce, who strive to deliver safe, excellent care for women throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.
He mentioned particular pleasure that assessors acknowledged the positive atmosphere within the department, the consideration shown to patients and staff members’ dedication to ongoing enhancement. He acknowledged that there is always more work required and confirmed that measures are already being implemented to address the highlighted improvement area.
The overall CQC rating for University Hospital and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby continues to be Good.