A government watchdog has raised concerns over a shortage in nursing staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found there was a shortage of permanent nurses at the hospital, with the use of agency staff impacting patient care.

An unannounced inspection was undertaken in May following concerns about staffing, equipment and poor patient care.

The hospital is rated ‘inadequate’ by the watchdog, and was not re-rated at this particular check-up.

Inspectors said there had been some improvements since the last review in March 2017, particularly with patients on surgical wards now having dedicated staff to ensure they receive appropriate care.

The report explains “there was good multidisciplinary working in the services we inspected and “the majority of patients in the areas we inspected were treated with dignity and respect.”

However, according to the report there are concerns about staffing numbers and the reliance on agency staff.

The report explains: “Senior and junior nursing staff we spoke with felt there was a shortage of staff and on some occasions nurses to patient ratios were 1:10 or 1:12.

“A matron told us that when staffing levels were low, they escalated this to site managers who then tried to move staff around across the site and try and fill the gaps with bank or agency staff.

“A member of staff told us that having different bank or agency staff on different days impacted on continuity of care of patients.”

The CQC said the trust running the hospital, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, must hire more “suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced persons.”

Last month Ben Travis, chief executive of the NHS trust, said there was a “national shortage” in recruiting nurses.

Speaking at a Greenwich Council scrutiny meeting, he said: “The biggest challenge is around our workforce. Recruiting and retaining the right number and skills in staff.

“There are significant national shortages in some areas, there’s a very challenging position recruiting qualified nurses. We are struggling in some areas recruiting for medical posts. It’s something we are working very hard on.”

Angela Helleur, chief nurse, said following the report: “The CQC inspectors noted that we have made improvements since their full inspection in March last year, and commented on the compassionate and caring attitude of our amazing staff.

“The report noted that we do face challenges in some areas where staff shortages mean we rely on agency staff. We are working hard to address this through targeted recruitment and by ensuring that all our staff are supported and valued.”

The CQC said that “importantly” the trust must ensure nursing levels are in line with national standards.

Professor Ted Baker, CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals, said: “I am pleased that there is evidence that Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is now working towards addressing the concerns raised by patients and their relatives. I hope to see further improvements when we next inspect the trust.”