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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated leadership at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) as 'Good’ following its inspection of the Trust in April and May this year. 

The inspection focused on the leadership of the organisation which was previously rated as ‘Inadequate’. 

Inspectors praised the Trust for putting patients and staff at ‘the heart of the decisions they made’ and recognised its efforts to improve culture. 

The CQC described a culture of ‘openness’ and ‘transparency’, with all staff able to contribute to positive changes as part of its ‘Wise Council’ - a 1,000-strong group of staff who act as a critical friend and sounding board on key issues related to culture and inclusion. 

UHB, which runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and Solihull hospitals and a range of community sites and services, recently underwent an organisation restructure which has been credited for much of its cultural turnaround. 

Jonathan Brotherton, Chief Executive, said a devolvement of leadership allowed decisions to be made closer to the patient, and colleagues had an increased sense of belonging to the hospital or service they work in. 

He said: “The CQC’s well-led report, as well as the additional 13 core service inspections across the Trust this spring, show an improving picture at UHB. While the premise of the well-led inspection was to investigate the leadership of the Trust, this rating is reflective of much more than that. It is a testament to all the hard work our teams put in, day in and day out, to do their best for our patients. There is still more work for us to do, but we are moving in the right direction.   

“Providing the best possible care for our patients is only possible if we have colleagues who feel supported and empowered to do their best – so improving our culture is our priority. Leadership and decision making is now made much closer to patients, and our hospital leaders have a much better understanding of local issues and are empowered to address them. Our colleagues also have a greater sense of belonging to and pride in their hospital and in their service, which was reflected in the CQC’s report.  

“I am proud of all 25,000 colleagues who make UHB what it is and am grateful for their continued hard work and dedication to our patients and each other.” 

Charlotte Rudge, CQC Deputy Director of Operations in the midlands, said: “We found University Hospitals Birmingham had made many improvements to its leadership since our previous inspection. Leaders now provided a clear shared direction for the organisation which didn’t just align plans and objectives but translated them into real action to improve people’s care. They were also compassionate and inclusive, putting people at the heart of the decisions they made.   

“It was encouraging to see leaders had created an open and supportive culture where staff could provide feedback and share concerns. Staff told us they had more of a voice in the organisation. 

“The Trust should be proud of the improvements it has made to leadership, culture and governance. We look forward to seeing their continued progress and how this helps shape the organisation in future,” she added. 

UHB has also seen improvements in measures relating to clinical care and standards. 

The CQC also inspected services across the Trust’s hospital and community sites at this time.