The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has responded to the publication of the Care Quality Commission (CQC’s) inspection report for The Princess Alexandra Hospital, following visits that took place between November 2025 and January 2026.
The hospital’s overall rating remains requires improvement. The report recognises areas of good practice, including a good rating overall for medical care and good ratings overall for the caring and effectiveness domains. It also identifies areas where further improvement is required.
The Trust accepts the regulator’s assessments of the areas in which it has needed to improve. At the time of the inspection, too many patients were waiting too long, some were being cared for in environments that did not consistently support privacy and dignity, and systems did not always provide the assurance needed.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said: “We accept the findings of the CQC report and recognise that, at the time of the inspection, there were areas where we needed to improve.
“Since the inspection, we have taken clear action and made significant and sustained improvements for patients. As a result of operational changes, we have reduced waiting times and improved patient access to care.
“The report includes positive feedback from patients about the kindness and dedication of our staff, and I see that every day. We take confidence from the improvements we are making, while remaining honest about the work still ahead.
“I want to thank every colleague for their continued commitment, compassion and professionalism, and for everything they are doing to support our patients, our communities and each other.”
These improvements are being reflected in the Trust’s performance data. Between April 2025 and May 2026, 18-week Referral to Treatment performance improved by 18 percentage points to 66.8%. Also, 4-hour Emergency Department performance improved by almost 10% in a year to 78.2% in June 2026. Additionally, 20,000 patients, family members and carers rated their care in the Friends and Family Test (FFT) over the last 12 months – 83% rated their experience highly, up from 80% in the previous 12 months, a clear upward trend.
These and other developments have been reflected in the Trust’s national league table position, moving from 120th of 134 trusts in Quarter 1 to 85th by Quarter 4.
The Trust continues to take action in response to the CQC findings and to embed improvements across its services. Key areas of focus include reducing long waits, improving patient flow, strengthening governance and assurance, and ensuring patients are cared for in environments that protect their privacy and dignity.
The Trust said the direction of travel is clear, with progress being felt in better access and shorter waits for patients, while further work continues to build on improvements for patients, staff and local communities.