Responding to the latest CQC report into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust’s, Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said:
“Patients, family members and staff all deserve to know that the facilities provided by the Trust are fit for purpose and working in the best interests of those using the service. This recent inspection and rating of parts of the service as “requires improvement” and “inadequate” shows there is still a long way to go before TEWV is providing a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.
“It’s clear that positive changes are being made and the Trust is making progress. At the same time however it faces tremendous challenges and needs robust and practical support to improve further. With a high vacancy rate there is a real need for an increase in staffing. The Government has a role to play here in ensuring enough health professionals are trained to allow our health services to provide the best quality. Despite repeated calls however the Government is yet to explain what meaningful intervention it will make to build up staffing levels and make sure the Trust succeeds.
“I’ll be meeting with the Chief Executive of the Trust next week and will press him on what measures he intends to put in place to ensure the Trust improve and service users are looked after in a safe environment. ”