CLAIMS of patient mistreatment at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital have prompted a police investigation and the suspension of a member of staff.
Lincolnshire Police have confirmed they are conducting an investigation into ‘alleged criminal conduct of an individual member of staff at Pilgrim Hospital’.
A spokesman said: “We are currently interviewing potential witnesses and otherwise gathering evidence.”
The news comes after a damning report by watchdog inspectors the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which found some patients were not receiving effective, safe and appropriate care to meet their needs.
The Pilgrim states the investigation has not been initiated because of a tip-off from the CQC.
Following the inspection report in February, the hospital claims it has made ‘significant changes to ensure the best possible quality of care to patients’.
Improvements have included a leadership review to allow for immediate action on reported issues, a strengthened customer care service, refresher staff training and the introduction of a set of ‘dignity pledges’ so patients know what to expect from staff.
A spokesperson for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), which runs the hospital, said: “We took immediate action to address the issues raised following the inspection visit in February.”
l In a move, unrelated to the police investigation, Pilgrim Hospital has temporarily closed its ward 6B due to ‘staff shortages caused by sickness and vacancies’. A ULHT spokesman said: “We are taking steps to address the issues and ward 6B will reopen as soon as possible.”.
source: bostonstandard.co.uk
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