Improvements have been made to the quality of the service provided by A&E at Stepping Hill Hospital, with the service judged to be "good" in a recent inspection.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made an unannounced two-day visit in November, with inspectors giving a rating of “good” across four of the five categories they review: safe, effective, caring, and well-led, in their report published this week. 

The visit was to check what progress had been made after the overall service was judged to be "inadequate" when inspected in August 2020.

The boss of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, who operate the department, has welcomed the findings but, with the service under extreme pressure, is urging patients to play their part by only attending A&E if they truly need emergency care. 

Chief Executive Karen James OBE, commenting on the inspections findings, said: "This is good news for colleagues, who have put so much work in over many months to making improvements. 

“It is good news for patients, who can be assured about the quality of care they receive in our emergency department.” 

She said the rating was testament to the hard work of staff.

“Making these improvements has been a Trust-wide – and at times, a system-wide effort – and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to so many positive changes.” 

Ms James said the services are under extreme pressure due the impact of COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses. 

She urged people to support them by taking up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and only attending the emergency department if they truly need emergency care or have been advised to attend by their GP or the 111 service. 

Stepping Hill Hospital is used by many patients across the High Peak. 

MP Robert Largan said: “This report is really positive news, and demonstrates significant improvements to local emergency care. 

“I want to thank Karen James and the NHS staff at Stepping Hill who have worked so hard to deliver these improvements in very difficult circumstances.” 

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