We rated them as requires improvement because:

On this inspection we rated the outpatients service as requires improvement because:

• The service did not effectively control all infection risks.
• The service had capacity issues in certain departments and could not cope with the volume of patients attending clinics.
• Systems and procedures to monitor and manage risks to patients had failed which had led to patient harm.
• It was unclear if there was a robust system for providing feedback and lessons learnt from complaints or incidents to staff working in outpatient services.
• It was unclear if the outpatient services had robust, well-established and effective leadership and governance processes.

However:

• Staff were supported through service related policies and procedures in addition to evidence based professional guidance.
• Feedback from people using outpatient services, and those close to them, was continually positive about the way staff treated them.
• Services provided by the outpatient departments mostly reflected the needs of the local population.
• Most patients were able to access the service in a timely way, with many specialties in line with or close to the national averages in waiting times.