CQC rating of Derriford Hospital Surgery Department upgraded to ‘Good’

The improved rating marks a significant improvement from the previous rating of 'Requires Improvement' in 2019.

The CQC inspection, carried out in April, praised Derriford Hospital Surgery Department's positive culture, strong leadership, and commitment to patient safety. 

Inspectors noted that patients consistently described staff as kind, attentive, and respectful, often highlighting how comfortable they felt during their care. The visit was also unannounced, and it came during a busy week. 

Sarah Brampton, Deputy Chief Executive at Derriford Hospital, said:

"This rating reflects the hard work of every member of our team. This achievement is the result of years of dedication, with multiple individuals and departments contributing to improvements in patient experience, access to care, safety, and outcomes. 

We are really thankful that colleagues across the care group embraced the opportunity to showcase their areas, demonstrating a welcoming department for the inspectors and a commitment to delivering excellent care for patients.

Surgery’s upgrade in rating shows our commitment to our improvement journey is working and that our efforts are making a tangible difference to our patients."

The CQC also identified areas where Derriford Hospital Surgery Department can continue to improve, including compliance with mandatory training, strengthening governance processes, pharmacy support on surgical wards and reducing medication delays at discharge. 

Plans are already in place to address these points, ensuring they keep building on their improved rating from the CQC. At the time, the inspectors also found the Department did not always protect privacy and dignity of patients in orthopaedic theatres, but prompt action was taken to address the theatre doors and this issue has now been fully resolved. 

Click here to read the CQC Report in full

Over the past few years patients under the care of surgery at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) have seen multiple improvements with decreased waiting times, the development of one stop services (such as the Urology Same Day Emergency Care service) and most importantly improved patient experience. 

You can watch a short film demonstrating what it means to colleagues from surgery to have this achievement recognised by the CQC, below.