AN inspection of three district nursing services in Hillingdon has endorsed their standards of work.

Hayes and Harlington, Laurel Lodge and Oak Farm teams, part of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, were visited by the Care Quality Commission.

The teams support housebound adult patients by providing care in their own homes or other community settings.

They help patients to live as independently as possible.

The inspection was held because all district nursing teams in London are under pressure and facing staff shortages.

CQC needed to assess the impact of this on people’s care.

No ratings were issued as it was focused on specific concerns, and the service remains rated good overall.

Jane Ray, CQC Deputy Director for London, said: “The service had enough staff, and the use of flexible working had helped it reduce vacancies. This supported the service to provide safe and timely care to people. “

During the visit, the inspection team spoke with 12 staff members, including the clinical service manager, district nurses, community staff nurses, palliative link nurse and deputy district nurses.

Full report: https://www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RV3/reports