BASINGSTOKE hospital met four of five ‘essential’ CQC standards – but patients are “not being protected against risks associated with medicines”, says a report by the health watchdog.

During a recent inspection of the hospital, in Aldermaston Road, the CQC found that improvements need to be made in the way staff manage medicines.

Although inspectors found that appropriate arrangements were in place for obtaining medicines for patients within the hospital, medicines were not always provided in a timely manner for patients being discharged.

During their three-day visit in November, inspectors also found three cupboards and a medicines refrigerator were left unlocked in a treatment room with an open door, which could be accessed by members of the public.

The CQC team also found “medicines were not always managed safely” and there were indications that “patients were not always advised of the risks associated with medication.”

The watchdog judged the impact on patients as ‘minor’.

The hospital, which is run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), was found to be meeting four of the five ‘essential standards’ the CQC applied.

The standards of ‘consent to care and treatment’, of ‘care and welfare of people who use services’, of ‘co-operating with other providers’ and of ‘staffing’ were all met by the hospital.

In their conclusions, inspectors found that “most patients were satisfied with their care and treatment”.

The hospital has been ordered to send a report to the CQC outlining action it will take to improve the management of medicines. Progress will be monitored by the watchdog.

HHFT chief executive Mary Edwards said: “We place patient care at the heart of what we do.

“I am pleased that the CQC’s inspection reflects this but we are not complacent and we act to address any concerns so that we continue to give high-quality care in safe environments.”