An NHS trust that was told it ‘requires improvement’ said it is making “reasonable progress” in terms of addressing its shortcomings.

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has been implementing an ‘action plan’ after its operations were criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

After a visit in August, the CQC noted that the trust – which covers Northwick Park and Ealing Hospitals – must do better in terms of safety and responsiveness.

Representatives from the trust told Harrow Council’s health and social care scrutiny committee how it has been working through the recommendations to provide a better service.

In terms of the ‘must do’ suggestions, the trust hit almost 60 per cent of its targets in January, with another 36 per cent given an ‘amber’ rating.

There were two ‘red’ areas – those of greatest concern – relating to the maternity bleep system and the mental health services in Willesden.

“We are making reasonable progress against the must dos and the should dos,” said Simon Crawford, the trust’s strategy director.

“We’ve done all the right things in terms of training but it’s now important to embed the practice.”

Barbara Beal, the trust’s interim chief nurse, supported this point and explained that staff – who were “genuinely disappointed by the CQC report” – have taken the messages on board.

Ms Beal noted the value of Harrow Council’s committees, describing their feedback as “critical to [the trust’s] future”, while Mr Crawford said a summit involving health officials from north-west London at Ealing Hospital in November had been a success.

He added that the next step was for the trust to focus on improving its CQC rating, taking into account the results of an unannounced visit last month.

“If we are seen to be languishing behind on our targets, it sets the tone for an inspection,” he said.

“We want to be seen as performing well and working collaboratively as part of an integrated care system with positive feedback from our partners.

“We’re nearly at full compliance with the must dos; now we need to make sure that there are no signs of that slipping.”