Call for Redbridge residents to join teams inspecting ‘high risk’ hospital trusts

Redbridge residents are being invited to join new watchdog teams that will inspect hospitals including King George and Queen’s.

The Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) will be under the microscope in the new scheme because it is deemed “high risk”.

A rule could be introduced to ensure that members cannot inspect hospitals they live near or work in, but this has not been confirmed.

Health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is changing the way inspections are conducted next month following a review by NHS England.

Chief inspector Sir Mike Richards said: “There is too much variation in the quality of care patients receive - poor hospitals will need to up their game and learn from the best. I will not tolerate poor or mediocre care.”

Trained members of the public will be part of teams who will take longer inspecting hospitals and services including A&E, maternity and care for the elderly.

Some inspections will be unannounced while others will be planned. They will focus on evenings and weekends, when care is known to be poorer.

King George Hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, will be inspected in the next five months along with other sites operated by BHRUT, which has a “high risk” rating.

It is one of 18 NHS trusts chosen for the pilot to reflect the “variation” in hospital standards.

To join an inspection team, email cqcinspectionchanges@cqc.org.uk.