CQC recognises major improvements at Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has recognised significant improvements in services at Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals, with five services or locations now rated good following inspections in July 2026.
Ealing Hospital is now rated good overall, while urgent and emergency care at both Ealing and Northwick Park has improved from requires improvement to good.
Children and young people's services at Northwick Park have also improved to good, while end-of-life care at both hospitals remains rated good.
The latest improvements build on progress recognised by the CQC last year, when Central Middlesex Hospital and its urgent care services were rated good.
The CQC carried out focused inspections of urgent and emergency care to assess the progress made since its previous inspection. Inspectors found that the Trust had addressed the earlier regulatory breaches relating to dignity and safe care and treatment, with both hospitals no longer in breach.
Inspectors highlighted a range of improvements, including:
- patients being assessed and triaged promptly
- redesigned emergency departments supporting patients' safety, comfort, privacy and dignity
- additional staffing and better arrangements for caring for patients in temporary escalation spaces
- specialist assessment of children and young people by paediatric emergency teams
improved translated information and access to real-time interpretation - effective arrangements at Ealing to manage demand and direct patients to the most appropriate service
- compassionate and dignified end-of-life care.
LNWH chief executive Mark Titcomb said: “These results reflect the determination and hard work of our colleagues across Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals.
“The improvements recognised by the CQC are significant. Ealing Hospital is now rated good overall, urgent and emergency care at both hospitals is rated good, and children and young people's services at Northwick Park have also improved to good.
“Most importantly, inspectors saw the difference our teams are making for patients: faster assessment, safer and more comfortable environments, better communication and care delivered with dignity and compassion.
“We know there is more to do, and we will continue addressing the areas identified by the CQC. But this is important progress, and I want to thank every colleague whose hard work, professionalism and commitment to our patients has made it possible.”
Northwick Park Hospital and the Trust remain rated requires improvement overall. The Trust will continue its work to embed the progress already made and address the further improvements identified by inspectors.
The reports will be published on the CQC website on Wednesday 21 October.