Report reveals operations were cancelled after anaesthetic given at private Huddersfield hospital

Tuesday 20 December 2016

Report reveals operations were cancelled after anaesthetic given at private Huddersfield hospital

BMI Hospital, which charges thousands for surgery, receives erratic CQC report

A Huddersfield hospital has been criticised for operations cancelled due to broken equipment, ‘dated’ wards and out-of-date food.

The Huddersfield Hospital, in Birkby, is a private unit which charges a premium, with services costing thousands of pounds.

A report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the hospital’s services were in many cases, far from premium.

The government health watchdog gave the hospital, on Birkby Hall Road, an amber ‘requires improvement’ rating.

It receives the amber rating for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and its management plus a ‘good’ rating for its caring treatment of patients.

During its inspection earlier this year, the CQC found:

- ‘a high number’ of operations were cancelled due to a lack of equipment, broken equipment or a breakdown in procedures to assess patients before their procedures (pre-assessment);

- some operations were even cancelled at the last minute – after anaesthetic has been administered;

- out-of-date microwave meals for patients in a fridge and a freezer with a broken thermometer;

- falling masonry, potholes in the drive, and a lack of fire doors in theatre;

- ‘dated’ looking patient rooms and clinical areas.

The CQC reported that ‘reasonable adjustments’ had not been made for disabled patients.

And it was critical of the hospital’s managers.

Chief Inspector of Hospitals Professor Sir Mike Richards said: “Not all leaders had the necessary experience, or knowledge for aspects of their role.”

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Tuesday 20 December 2016