Inspectors visit Guy’s and St Thomas' hospitals

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission will spend this week visiting Guy's Hospital at London Bridge and St Thomas' Hospital in Waterloo.

"The inspections are designed to provide people with a clear picture of the quality of the services in their local hospital, exposing poor or mediocre care as well as highlighting the many hospitals providing good and excellent care," said Professor Sir Mike Richards, CQC chief inspector of hospitals.

"We know there is too much variation in quality, and these in-depth inspections will allow us to get a much more detailed picture of care in hospitals than ever before.

"Of course we will be talking to doctors and nurses, hospital managers and patients at the trust. But it is vital that we also hear the views of the people who have received care at the trust, or anyone who wants to share information with us.

"This will help us plan our inspection, and so help us focus on the things that really matter to people who depend on this service.

"This is your opportunity to tell the team what you think, and make a difference to the NHS services in the local area."

Sir Mike's inspection team is expected to look in detail at eight key service areas: A&E; medical care (including frail elderly); surgery; intensive/critical care; maternity; paediatrics/children's care; end of life care; and outpatients.

Anyone who wishes to share their views with the inspectors is invited to:

• complete the Share Your Experience form online
• send an email to [email protected]
• write to CQC, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA
• phone CQC on 03000 61 61 61

CQC last published reports on Guy's and St Thomas' in 2013.

On Thursday this week Guy's and St Thomas' will also hold its annual public meeting which enables patients to hold hospital bosses to account.

On the same day there will also be a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the bombing of St Thomas' during World War II.