CQC publishes report following inspection of surgical services

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published the findings of its inspection of surgical services at The QEH, which took place in March 2026.

Surgical services remain rated Requires Improvement overall. The report identifies concerns relating to patient safety, governance, staff training, documentation and aspects of the care environment. The CQC has also issued two Warning Notices relating to safe care and treatment, and premises and equipment.

Patients and their loved ones should be able to trust that they will receive safe, high-quality care every time they come to The QEH. The report identifies areas where standards fell short of those expectations, and we are sorry for that.

Immediate action was taken to address concerns identified during the inspection, and further work has continued since March to strengthen patient safety, governance, training compliance and oversight across surgical services.

While the report identifies areas where we must improve, it also recognises positive feedback from patients, improvements in responsiveness and the dedication and professionalism of staff working across surgical services.

Jo Segasby, Group Deputy Chief Executive and Group Chief Delivery Officer, Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, said:

“Patients and their loved ones should be able to trust that we are getting the basics of safe, high-quality care right every time. This report shows there were occasions where we fell short, and we fully accept that.

“I am sorry that we did not consistently meet the standards our patients have every right to expect. Since the inspection, we have acted on the concerns raised and remain focused on delivering the improvements our patients deserve.

“Some of the issues highlighted by inspectors, particularly those relating to patient safety, should not have happened.

“Immediate action was taken to address concerns identified during the inspection, including issues relating to the storage of oxygen cylinders, equipment obstructing fire escape routes and infection prevention and hygiene concerns. Since the inspection in March, further work has continued to strengthen governance, oversight, training and safety processes across our surgical services.

“The report also recognises positive feedback from many patients, improvements in responsiveness and the dedication and professionalism of our staff, who continue to provide compassionate care every day.

“The QEH has faced significant scrutiny of its surgery services in recent months. That scrutiny brings responsibility. While providing leadership support to The QEH, my focus is on ensuring we learn from these findings and deliver the improvements our patients and communities rightly expect.

“Ultimately, people will judge us not on today’s report, but on the improvements we make and the care they and their loved ones receive.”