Critical care services at Walsall Manor Hospital 'require improvement' as out of date medicines found
Health watchdog inspectors discovered out of date medicines at Walsall Manor Hospital's intensive care unit following concerns over the running of the service.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given critical care services at the hospital an overall 'requires improvement' rating after carrying out an unannounced inspection in February and March which found that more work was needed after previously finding that improvements were needed.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust told the Express & Star it has since developed an action plan which was being implemented as a result of the new report.
But Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton said: “It is clearly disappointing and whilst I recognise the dedication and hard work of staff at the Manor Hospital, I do urge the hospital to grip this and urgently deliver the recommended changes for the benefit of all patients.”
The inspectors found five breaches of regulation relating to safe care, treatment and governance after discovering that hospital leaders did not ensure medicines were managed safely; that staff kept some out-of-date medication; failed to take action when fridge temperatures were not correct; leaders failed to make sure that all policies were in date; some documents on the intranet system were past their review date.
In addition some consultants had not completed all mandatory training; staff were disappointed about leaders’ decision to reduce the number of rehabilitation staff; leaders did not have a vision or strategy for the service, but this was being developed.
The CQC report stated: "The overall rating for critical care service, and the rating for how well-led it is, have been re-rated as requires improvement. How safe the service is has dropped from good to requires improvement. How effective and responsive the service is have improved from requires improvement to good. Caring has been re-rated as good.
"The overall rating for Manor Hospital remains unchanged and is rated as requires improvement."
CQC deputy Midlands operations director Charlotte Rudge said: “At our inspection of critical care services at Manor Hospital we found many areas of innovative practice and a strong learning culture. However, leaders need to make further improvements to make sure that people are receiving safe care and that they have effective oversight of the service.
“Leaders didn’t always make sure facilities, equipment and technology helped keep people safe. Our inspectors were able to follow staff into the intensive care unit without challenge which should be a secure space. Staff should admit people visiting the unit through a dedicated entrance and direct them to wait in the relatives’ room to be collected, but this didn’t always happen. Also, staff stored large amounts of spare equipment in unused bed spaces, and some of this equipment was out of date.
“Several nursing staff worked additional hours in other areas. This meant that some were in breach of working time regulations and hadn’t opted out of this directive.
“The service didn’t meet national guidelines for intensive care services in how they provided physiotherapy, dietetics, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy support. However, there were some examples of these professions working closely with the service.
“However, our inspection team heard from many people who had positive experiences of using the service. Staff were kind and clearly explained people’s care and treatment to them. Staff also provided clear information on recovery following a stay in critical care for people and their families. This included exercises and health advice as well as contact details for support.
“Staff recorded incidents and identified service improvements from these lessons. One staff member spoke honestly about a medication error they made. They reported it appropriately and discussed the incident with the person involved. They also demonstrated how this had improved their practice to keep people safe, and felt they were treated fairly throughout the process.
“Leaders and staff should be encouraged by the many positive findings of the report. We have identified areas that need improving in the service and we will monitor their progress to see how their plans develop.”
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's chief nursing officer Lisa Carroll said: “The CQC carried out an assessment of our ICU in February 2025. Following the visit and inspectors sharing their draft report an action plan was developed and our teams continue to work through this.”
