Inquiry launched into flaws in A&E figures at Royal Bolton Hospital (From This Is Lancashire)

Inquiry launched into flaws in A&E figures at Royal Bolton Hospital

12:10pm Tuesday 27th October 2009

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ROYAL Bolton Hospital has launched an inquiry into the way one of its key targets is recorded after bosses found flaws in the figures.

Hospitals are expected to admit, discharge or transfer 98 per cent of Accident and Emergency patients within four hours of entry.

And that target helps to measure how the hospital is performing compared to others.

But the hospital has found that “improvements” are needed in the way this data is being recorded.

Head of communications, Heather Edwards, said: “The hospital recently carried out a review of data recording in the A&E department. This found there were some improvements required in the way that data was recorded.”

She said the inquiry was ongoing and any further comments might prejudice the review.

Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is required to report any matters such as this to Monitor — the independent regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts.

A Monitor spokesman said: “Monitor is aware that the Trust is currently undertaking an audit of its data on performance against the four hour A&E waiting time target.”

The hospital is expected to complete its enquiries by the end of November and will then report back to Monitor.

The Monitor spokesman added: “If the revised data raises concerns we may consider regulatory action.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: “We are confident that the overwhelming majority of patients who visit A&E are being seen and treated within four hours.”

Cllr Andy Morgan, chairman of Bolton Council’s health scrutiny committee said the issue was of “great concern”.

He added: “The public need to be confident that the statistics being provided are accurate.”

steven.thompson@theboltonnews.co.uk

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