NHS Providers is launching a major new programme of work, 'Providers deliver', to celebrate and promote the work of NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts in improving care.
At the core of this rolling programme is a new publication series. The first of these biannual reports focuses on how Trusts have responded to feedback from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a positive and systematic way, encouraging great ideas that have made a difference for patients and service users.
It is striking that whereas in 2014, over half (68%) of Trusts were rated ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ by CQC, in 2019, the majority of Trusts (59%) are now rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. Between August 2017 and August 2019 the number of trusts rated ‘outstanding’ by CQC increased from 14 to 24 and the number rated ‘good’ increased from 96 to 107.
This first report 'Providers deliver: better care for patients', considers both the leadership approaches and frontline initiatives that underpin improvements in quality. Through 11 case study conversations, it details some of the frontline work that has contributed to Trusts’ improvements in CQC ratings, as well as exploring the role of Trust leaders in providing an enabling, supportive environment in which this work has been possible.
Strong themes across these case studies include cultural change, empowering and engaging staff, and the importance of good, clear and visible leadership.
The report demonstrates how - in difficult circumstances - Trust leaders and staff are coming up with ideas and solutions to deliver better care. NHS Providers plans to develop this approach in future publications, alongside work to promote these achievements with media and stakeholder engagement, through a range of channels.
The 11 Trusts whose case studies are featured in this report are:
• Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
• North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
• Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
• Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
• West London NHS Trust
• Hounslow and Richmond Community Trust
• London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
The full case studies and detail of the improvement work carried out by these Trusts can be read here.
