Hospital In Greater Manchester Providing “Seriously Deficient” Care

A hospital criticised for its “chaotic and despicable” care of three elderly patients had been deficient for a number of years, a report says. Coroner John Pollard attacked Tameside General Hospital following inquests into the deaths of three patients.

An independent review found standards “fell short of the quality expected” at the Greater Manchester hospital.

The trust said it “fully accepted” the report’s criticisms and was committed to making the changes required.

The review was ordered by NHS North West following the inquests into the deaths of three patients at the hospital, all held on 27 September 2006.

South Manchester Coroner John Pollard described the care of Watkin Davies, 84, of Ashton-under-Lyne, who contracted MRSA, as “absolutely despicable”.

Mr Pollard heard claims from the family that he was left in his own excrement with open wounds – something the hospital denies.

Another patient, 75-year-old Hilda Douglas, from Audenshaw, died from heart disease in an A&E department, described by Mr Pollard as “chaotic”.

Raymond Lees, 75, of Ashton-under-Lyne, was admitted for a knee operation but contracted MRSA and later died.

Recording a misadventure verdict on Mr Lees’ death, Mr Pollard heard his family describe the standard of care as “shameful and inhumane”.

His family told Mr Pollard his treatment was “shameful” and “inhumane” after his waistline dropped from 46ins to 32ins.

Since the three inquests were held 120 families complained about poor nutrition, hygiene and infections on geriatric wards at the hospital.

It has since emerged that Mr Pollard held an inquest for another patient who died after doctors twice failed to notice a bedsore on her back so deep it exposed bone.

Edith Whitworth, 92, died on 28 October last year and her inquest was held earlier in the week.

The independent review, which followed pressure from Ashton MP David Heyes, was carried out by Professor Dame Pauline Fielding and Liz Craig, both experienced senior nurses.

It concluded: “The reviewers found the quality of care experienced by some patients over a number of years had been seriously deficient.

“The trust was perceived to have been defensive initially in its response to allegations of poor care, but had taken immediate steps to investigate the concerns and is committed to trying to effect improvements.”

The hospital put its own action plan in place after the criticism but the report recommended it needed strengthening in key areas.

It said more prominence should be given to matrons’ rounds to monitor basic care issues and recruitment practices should be reviewed after many families said staff were rude and aggressive.

In addition, staff needed training in managing complaints because of concerns about their poor communication skills.

The hospital’s progress will be monitored by an independent body at six and 12 month intervals.

In a statement, Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust, said: “The trust welcomes the findings of the independent review and fully accepts the criticisms contained within the report.

“The trust would wish again to apologise to those patients and families in Tameside and Glossop who have experienced deficient care at the hospital, and to assure the public we are fully committed to making the changes required to ensure every patient and relative using the hospital is treated appropriately, and with respect and dignity.”