It was massive thanks from every division to every colleague for the all-round effort ahead of next week's CQC visit. 

There was a special mention for all the extra work tackled by our estates teams in the build-up to the visit - our first since March 2013.

Director of Nursing, Julie Dawes, told the CRH brief that it was now a case of "Bring it on, we have a lot to be proud of ". She said the majority of the feedback from the two stalls in our hospital entrances  this week had been very positive. She also said that teams shouldn't be disappointed if the CQC didn't visit their areas - despite all their hard work - as they won't make everywhere. 

Other highights:

* Big improvements in our investigations processes and she reminded colleagues that the longer they take the more difficult they become. She reminded colleagues that for each one there was a patient or a patient's family awaiting our responses. 

* Sickness levels are falling in 4 out of seven areas 

* our complaints process is improving with us wanting to be very much " on the front foot"  for them.

* a reminder that hand hygenie techniques should always be observed 

* finances are very challenging currently due to extra beds - but on target for year end

* "Always Events" is the focus for a new drive to improve our outpatients care for patients

* our stroke teams are ensuring that our patients spend 90% of their time on the acute ward and are  receiving the best care

The presentation ended with two big teams successes this week - AMU at CRH and Ward 8a at CRH. Both featured elsewhere in CHFT Weekly