HOSPITAL bosses say they have been congratulated on progress made nearly two years on from a damning report that highlighted major patient safety concerns.

An external investigation found failings in the Morecambe Bay NHS Trust's urology department, identifying more than 500 cases of 'actual or potential harm' to patients.

But the trust's board of directors have heard that progress has been made on 48 recommendations made in the report by consultants Niche.

A report said: "Progress has been made in relation to all recommendations.

"The team from Niche congratulated the Urology Department on progress to date.

"Particular progress has been made in key clinical areas that presented patient safety risks.

"Whilst it is acknowledged from the Niche final report that progress and improvements can be recognised in all recommendations, there is work to do in improving the Niche Investigation Assurance Framework scores received, and to sustain the improvements made." 

Progress includes 'improved professional relationships within the Urology department' and a 'focus by the Trust on the Mental Capacity Act and ensuring that care is given in line with the best interests of patients who do not have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves'.

In November 2019 Niche Health and Social Care Consulting was commissioned by NHS England to complete a five-phase investigation into urology services at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

The Niche report said a 'key concern' was a 'combined failure to consistently report and robustly investigate patient safety incidents'.

Former urology consultant Peter Duffy acted as a whistleblower after raising concerns about the department.

An employment tribunal ruled he was constructively dismissed after he resigned from his post at the trust.

Following the publication of the Niche report, the trust's chief executive issued an apology.

Aaron Cummins said: "On behalf of the trust, I would like to apologise to patients and families who have experienced any kind of harm or distress caused by the events chronicled in the report.

"Some progress has already been made over the last couple of years and the trust will continue to ensure improvements are made as quickly as possible and are sustained.”

UHMBT runs Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.