AN inspection at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has revealed it has met all care standards — just months after concerns were raised about its performance.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection comes after a similar review in August revealed two care standards out of 10 reviewed were not being met.

“Moderate” concerns were raised regarding the Trust’s co-operation with other providers when discharging patients, as they believed there were gaps.

A minor concern about management of medicines — particularly for patients who were self-medicating — was also noted.

But following the second inspection on November 7, the Trust has been found to be compliant with both care standards.

The CQC report noted it was satisfied with a reviewed medicines policy that was being rolled out and said they were happy with the way the Trust was working with other providers in a “timely manner” regarding patient discharge. In August’s inspection, the CQC discovered patient’s beds were stripped and belongings were packed up once the decision to discharge them was made. This has been changed to allow patients to stay in their beds until their ambulance or other transport arrived.

November’s inspection revealed multidisciplinary meetings had been introduced, local care home owners had been invited to discuss concerns and staff were working closely with external agencies, such as social services and care homes.

Dee Sissons, director of patient experience and safety/chief nurse, said: “Our staff have worked really hard making sure we meet these quality standards and I’m delighted that the CQC inspectors heard so many positive comments both from staff and patients.”

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “Despite the recent challenges the Trust has faced, it is good to see it is making improvements in the areas identified by the CQC, and are now meeting these important standards.”

Cllr Andy Morgan said: “Congratulations must go to all the staff on the front line delivering the service. Let’s hope the staffing levels and resources are maintained to allow these improvements continue moving forward”.