MUCH of the explanation as to why Hereford County Hospital now finds itself in ‘special measures’ after the recent CQC inspection lies in the inadequate number of beds provided by the new hospital.
The bed occupancy rate approaching 100% (when the NHS ideal for efficiency and flexibility is around 85%) along with a patient length of stay that conforms to the norm are clear pointers towards the hospital being too small for the population it serves.
The consultant body warned of this in 1997 before a single brick of the new build had been laid. Eventually successive chief executives tried to remedy the situation but none has yet succeeded in obtaining the capital investment required to build new wards or even replace the outdated Nissen hut accommodation.
Perhaps the CQC label of ‘inadequate’ and the special measures that the NHS Trust Development Authority is due to enforce will at last trigger a realisation that provision of a realistic number of beds will enable the hard-working staff to give the safe and responsive care they are dedicated to providing.
DR MICHAEL HALL Hafod Road, Hereford
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