SWINDON'S Great Western Hospital has been criticised by a health watchdog for caring for patients on trolley beds.

But today's report by the Commission for Health Improvement, does single out education and training for particular praise.

Inspectors from the CHI, an independent body which monitors clinical care in NHS hospitals, visited the newly-opened GWH in April.

And in each of the seven categories assessed, the trust scored six twos and one three out of a maximum of four points. As predicted by the Evening Advertiser last month, the well-documented problems over lack of bed space and the use and positioning of additional trolley beds on wards, was raised as an issue of concern.

Officers state: "While patients are regularly risk-assessed before being placed on these beds, most do not have access to curtains, call buzzers or electric sockets. The CHI also has concerns about the lack of space around the beds for staff to deliver care, particularly if an emergency situation arises." Since the CHI's review, the Trust has brought together a formalised action plan to make the necessary improvements.

Several Trust staff told inspectors about their worries over the length of time taken by contractors to respond to requests for maintenance and repairs at the hospital.

On the positive side, staff interviewed by inspectors "demonstrated a commitment to caring for patients with dignity and respect."

And they were "committed to improving the quality of patient care."

The CHI singled out Education and Training in the trust as being a well-run operation within "a supportive environment." It was the only area in which the trust received three out of four points.

Areas inspected were:

User Involvement (2)

Risk Management (2)

Clinical Audit (2)

Staffing and Management (2)

Education and Training

Clinical Effectiveness (2)

Use of Information (2)