IPSWICH: Health bosses have today praised the “dedication” of staff at Ipswich Hospital for their part in improving care standards.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) first visited the hospital in March and found a series of failings in the care of elderly patients.

However its second inspection found patient care was improving.

The return visit by CQC inspectors, over two days in September, aimed to check the hospital’s action plan for tackling the shortcomings relating to privacy, dignity and nutrition, had improved outcomes for patients.

In March inspectors noted a string of shocking findings including patients being left in their night clothes all day, being washed at their beds rather than being taken to a bathroom and staff not washing their hands enough.

The inspection revealed concerns about patients not having access to call bells and found some communication boards above patients’ beds recorded inaccurate information.

But the latest report reveals the comprehensive action plan has improved patient care.

The second, more wide-ranging review addressed 11 of the CQC’s 16 standards, with 45 patients and 65 members of staff interviewed.

Of the 11 standards assessed the hospital were found compliant in ten areas.

However moderate concerns about “shortcomings” with the speed at which patients admitted to A&E are assessed by a mental health professional from the Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust were raised.

Yesterday chief executive Andrew Reed told The Evening Star without the dedication of staff on the wards the turnaround would not have been possible.

“The nurses on the wards have worked incredibly hard,” he said. “They were very, upset by what the CQC reported, they took it to heart.

“I think what this report demonstrates is our staff’s real passion, giving patient’s a really good service.

“We are sorry once again for the poor experience that some patients had of our services at the time of the last inspection.

“We recognise that we are not perfect, but we hope that this report will go some way to restoring the confidence of our community.”

Siobhan Jordan, director of nursing and quality, thanked patients, their families and the hospital’s user groups for their part.

She said: “We are ecstatic that the CQC has recognised the overwhelming commitment of staff at all levels.

“Our commitment remains getting it right for our patients and their families and ensure that we provide excellent care at every opportunity.”

n Tell us your experiences as a patient at Ipswich Hospital. Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or you can e-mail us at eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk