The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEH), has announced that a mandated service has been put in place to oversee general surgery at the hospital, following a critical report by the Royal College of Surgeons England (RCS).
General surgery at the QEH is now operating under the leadership of the general surgery team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH).
A review by the RCS was requested by the hospital following concerns that had been raised in two whistleblowing letters and by hospital staff. During this review, the RCS found that out of 17 clinical cases, eight were judged to have involved care below the expected standard.
Action taken
The hospital has acknowledged that these are serious findings and confirmed that all affected patients and families have been contacted and offered support.
Alongside the NNUH providing a mandated support service to the QEH, a dedicated helpline has also been set up to respond to any concerns or questions other patients and their families may have.
Two additional independent reviews – of clinical governance arrangements at the QEH and of issues raised in previous whistleblowing concerns and complaints – have also been commissioned.
‘Deeply sorry’
Professor Lesley Dwyer, Group Chief Executive of NWUHG, said: “We are deeply sorry for the lapses in care at the QEH identified in this report and for the governance failures that meant concerns were not identified sooner.
“Our apology to affected patients and their families is unreserved. We are in touch with each of them directly to offer our support.
“We acknowledge all the issues the report raises, however our top priority has been to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vitally important local service at the QEH for its patients, and be able to assure local people with confidence, that this is so.
“We can do so, because of the new mandated support arrangements from the NNUH now in place. They provide strong clinical leadership, increased support for QEH consultants, enhanced independent oversight and ensure a second opinion is sought and received for out of hours and emergency operations.
“The NNUH general surgery team are happy to be working alongside their QEH colleagues and support them in making the service as safe, supportive and robust as possible.”
Healthwatch Norfolk response
In response to the announcement from the QEH, Alex Stewart, Chief Executive at Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “The findings of the Royal College of Surgeon’s review into general surgery at the QEH are serious, and patients will no doubt have questions about what this might mean for future care for themselves or their loved ones.
“The swift action of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group in putting measures in place to address the concerns raised, and support those who have been affected, will hopefully provide reassurance that the RCS recommendations are being heard and acted upon to improve general surgery outcomes at the hospital.
“We would urge patients to contact the QEH through the channels that have been set up if they are concerned about this announcement, and trust that the interventions already made will benefit patient care going forward.”
People who are worried or concerned about general surgery they have received, or are scheduled to receive at the QEH, should call the hospital’s helpline on 01553 613006 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).
Read the full statement from the QEH on the hospital’s website here.