As Chief Executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, it is my great privilege to present our Quality Account for 2024/25. This report offers us a moment of reflection – an opportunity to consider the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve faced, and the ambitions we hold for our future. I am proud to say that, despite the well-documented pressures on the NHS, our teams have remained committed, resilient, and wholly focused on delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care for the communities we serve.
This past year has brought some remarkable milestones for our Trust. Most notably, we were honoured to be shortlisted for the prestigious Health Service Journal Trust of the Year award. This national recognition stands as testament to the relentless hard work of our staff across every department, from point of care clinicians to our estates and facilities teams, corporate staff and Trust volunteers. Their commitment to quality, innovation and patient-centred care has set Gateshead Health apart on a national stage.
We have also made significant improvements in how we support patients through their care journey. Our focus on patient flow, especially safe and timely discharge, has been a key priority. By working closely with our Local Authority and Social Care partners, we’ve streamlined processes and improved communication, which means more patients are able to return home when they are ready, reducing unnecessary time spent in hospital. These changes are more than just operational – they represent a genuine improvement in the experience of our patients and their families.
We have taken further steps to strengthen our culture of safety. In line with the NHS’s national approach to patient safety, we have begun the rollout of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), supported by the implementation of a new incident reporting system. These developments enable us to learn more effectively from incidents and crucially, to embed that learning across the organisation. Alongside this, we’ve continued to foster a culture where staff feel empowered to raise concerns. Our Freedom to Speak Up programme
has expanded, with increased visibility of our Guardian and a renewed emphasis on
psychological safety in the workplace. Staff voices are critical to patient safety, and we remain determined to create an environment where every colleague feels confident to speak up and be heard.
We are clear about our long-term strategic vision. At the heart of our ambition is the intent to be recognised as an outstanding District General Hospital. We believe that outstanding care should be available locally, close to home, and that DGHs have a vital role to play in providing high-quality, comprehensive, and sustainable care. This ambition runs through every decision we make; from the way we invest in clinical services and staff development to how we engage with our partners and community. It is a commitment to excellence that touches every aspect of our work.
One of the most exciting developments this year has been the opening of our new
Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the Metrocentre, in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to make diagnostic services more accessible and convenient for patients, helping to reduce waiting times and improve early detection and treatment of a wide range of conditions. By locating the CDC in a well-connected and familiar public setting, we are removing barriers to care and bringing essential services closer to where people live and work.
Thank you for taking the time to read our Quality Account.
Trudie Davies, Chief Executive