CQC Takes Sussex NHS Trust to Court Over Child’s Hospital Escape
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is suing University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust after a young patient ran away from the children’s ward at Worthing Hospital.
‘Avoidable Harm’ Sparks Legal Battle
The watchdog accuses the trust of breaching the Health and Social Care Act 2008 by failing to prevent “avoidable harm” during the 2022 incident.
The case will be heard at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27th October.
Sussex NHS Trust Faces Growing Scrutiny
University Hospitals Sussex runs several hospitals across the county and is under intense pressure. Recent investigations include an independent review of workplace culture and a government probe into its maternity services.
The CQC said it “takes failures in patient safety extremely seriously” and “won’t hesitate to take action to protect the public.”
The trust has yet to comment on the charges.
