Today the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published the findings of their inspections last year and reported the Trust’s rating unchanged at “Requires Improvement”.

Sheila Lloyd, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies, said: “The report is another milestone on the Trust’s journey to keep improving care for patients.

“This is evident in the steady improvements we’ve seen in maternity care at Ormskirk hospital. They are changes for the better recognised not only by CQC but by patients too. Their feedback last year ranked the service 11th best in England.

“Other improvements mean our wards are better organised for the benefit of both patients and staff. A much-needed day surgery unit opened at Ormskirk hospital in February followed by hyper-acute stroke beds at Southport earlier this month. A surgical assessment unit will be in place soon.

“Once again, the CQC scored us ‘Good’ for caring with the compassionate one-to-one care in A&E highlighted in particular. The £1.25m building work now under way there will significantly improve privacy and dignity for patients.

“The CQC also recognised the effect over the past two years of not having an established Trust leadership team.

“We are fortunate that Silas Nicholls, a highly respected and experienced NHS leader, joins us as permanent chief executive on 3 April as an anchor for stability.”