A new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised serious concerns about the care provided in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent. The report outlines disturbing accounts from patients and staff, indicating a significant shortage of nursing staff and a failure to protect patient dignity and hygiene.

Patients described harrowing experiences, with some frail, bed-bound individuals reportedly told to “soil themselves” due to a lack of staff available to assist them to the toilet. In one instance, a patient was observed urinating into a bottle without any privacy due to the absence of curtains. The CQC inspectors noted that many patients were left in soiled clothing and bedding for several hours, with some waiting up to 55 hours on chairs in hospital corridors. The report indicated that some patients faced waits of two days or more for a bed.

The CQC highlighted a troubling culture within the hospital where some staff members felt unsafe raising concerns. Reports emerged of nurses feeling they would be punished by senior leaders for voicing issues related to patient care. A statement from the CQC read, “Patients, relatives and staff contacted us prior to the assessment process to tell us that staff did not always protect patients from degrading experiences.”

Additional issues reported included a lack of accessible wash facilities for patients stranded in the emergency department, alongside shortages of blankets and pillows, which left many feeling cold and uncomfortable. Some patients had their medications not administered. One patient echoed their distress by stating they were “so cold” and had not received a blanket.

The urgent and emergency services at Medway Maritime Hospital were rated as “requires improvement” following a CQC inspection conducted in February 2024. In response to the findings, the Medway NHS Foundation Trust issued a warning notice, requiring the institution to implement necessary improvements.

Jayne Black, the chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, expressed regret over the findings of the inspection. She stated, “We are very sorry that despite the best efforts of our hard-working staff, at the time of the last February’s inspection the inspection team found that our care fell below the standard that everyone should expect in their time of need.” Ms Black asserted that the trust has made “significant improvements” in the past year, aiming to ensure that patients are treated more promptly and in more suitable conditions.

However, she acknowledged that further work remains, particularly in reducing delays for patients waiting to be admitted to a ward. Black noted that hospital staff continue to collaborate with ambulance, community, and social care partners to enhance the care provided to patients using the emergency department.

Source: Noah Wire Services