Children's hospital failings exposed

A damning report into Birmingham Children's Hospital has revealed a catalogue of serious failings.

Patients experienced sub-standard care, delays in treatment and youngsters being redirected to other services, says the Healthcare Commission. The probe also found some complex neurosurgery had been carried out without the relevant trained nurses.

The BCH NHS Foundation Trust was also criticised for its shortage of beds, equipment and access to operating theatres, and an "ineffective" partnership with the University Hospital Birmingham (UBH).

The Commission's report was ordered by Health Secretary Alan Johnson after concerns raised by consultants appeared in the Observer newspaper in November...

Sarah-Jane Marsh, BCH interim chief executive, said: "The quality of care for our young patients is our top priority. In some ways, we have been victims of our own success - as our services have grown ever more popular we have been faced with the challenge of meeting that demand and have been carrying out a great deal of work to make sure we do."

Source: The Metro.