“We are very sorry that at the time the CQC visited us, some patients did not receive the standard of urgent and emergency care they should expect at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
“The findings in this report reflect issues we recognise, particularly around long waits, overcrowding and the impact this can have on people’s comfort, dignity, and safety when our department is at its busiest. We apologise unreservedly to those patients and families whose experience fell below the high standards they deserve.
“Patient safety is our absolute priority, Since the inspection in January, when we were experiencing some of our highest ever levels of attendances, we have already undertaken significant work to address the CQC’s concerns. This includes the introduction of new processes to improve information sharing between our internal teams and our healthcare partners, and better access to food and drink for our patients.
“We were pleased to read in the report that most people the CQC spoke with were warm and positive about their experience in our emergency department and that inspectors observed respectful, caring interactions and patients feeling listened to, safe and involved in decisions.
“While we are proud that inspectors recognised the kindness, compassion, and dedication of our staff, it is clear that the pressures on the department have, at times, meant we have not delivered care in the way we want to. That is not where we want to be, and we take full responsibility for putting it right.”