WWL Trust Performance and Healthcare Quality Analysis
Evaluating the operational efficiency of a healthcare provider requires a detailed look at patient throughput, adherence to national targets, and staff satisfaction. The West Berkshire and Windsor (WWL) Trust provides a comprehensive snapshot of these metrics, balancing high-performance areas in elective care with ongoing challenges in emergency services.
Key Facts
- Planned Operations: Ranked 5th out of 128 trusts for waiting times.
- Cancer Care: 91.7% of patients started treatment within 62 days of referral.
- A&E Performance: 94.3% of patients seen within four hours (May 2018), exceeding the national average.
- Staffing: Named the second best acute trust to work for by the Health Service Journal in 2015.
- Patient Volume: Handled over 676,000 outpatient attendances between August 2016 and July 2017.
Operational Volume and Patient Throughput
According to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report published in March 2018, the Trust managed a significant volume of patients between August 2016 and July 2017. During this period, the Trust recorded 74,367 inpatient admissions and 676,690 outpatient attendances. Additionally, the facility handled 88,718 A&E attendances and 2,436 deliveries, while recording 1,362 deaths.
Emergency Care and A&E Performance
The Accident and Emergency (A&E) department has faced consistent challenges in meeting the NHS four-hour target—the goal that patients should be admitted, transferred, or discharged within four hours of arrival. The Trust has not officially met this target since October 2015.
Despite this, May 2018 data indicates that WWL performed better than the national average. With 94.3% of patients seen within four hours, the Trust narrowly missed the 95% target but outperformed the national average of 90.4%, ranking 25th out of 133 trusts.
However, more recent reports from 2022 highlight critical concerns regarding patient stays. It was noted that deaths within the A&E department were becoming "increasingly common." One specific report detailed a scenario where, out of 72 patients in A&E, 16 had been present for over 24 hours and 34 for over 12 hours, with the longest stay reaching nearly 48 hours.
Specialized Care and Elective Services
While emergency care has seen volatility, WWL has demonstrated strong results in planned care and oncology.
Cancer Care
In April 2018, the Trust ranked 18th out of 133 trusts for cancer care. Specifically, 91.7% of patients began treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral. This figure significantly exceeds both the 85% target and the national average of 82.3%.
Planned Operations
The Trust's performance in planned operations and care is among the highest in the country. As of April 2018, WWL ranked 5th out of 128 trusts, with 94.3% of patients waiting less than 18 weeks for their procedures. This surpasses the 92% target and the national average of 87.5%.
Institutional Awards and Staffing
The Trust has been recognized for its organizational culture and safety standards. In November 2014, the Health Service Journal named WWL the Provider Trust of the Year, citing a strong focus on staff engagement that helped reduce mortality rates and achieve a cash surplus. The Trust also received awards for Patient Safety and Improving Environmental and Social Sustainability.
Staff satisfaction remains a point of strength. In 2015, the Health Service Journal ranked it as the second best acute trust to work for. At that time, the Trust employed 4,169 full-time equivalent staff with a sickness absence rate of 4.71%. Internal surveys showed that 77% of staff recommended the Trust as a place to work, and 78% recommended it as a place for treatment.
Performance Summary Table
| Metric | WWL Performance | National Average / Target | Trust Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| A&E 4-Hour Target (May 2018) | 94.3% | 90.4% (Avg) / 95% (Target) | 25 / 133 |
| Cancer Care (62-Day Target) | 91.7% | 82.3% (Avg) / 85% (Target) | 18 / 133 |
| Planned Operations (18-Week) | 94.3% | 87.5% (Avg) / 92% (Target) | 5 / 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Has WWL met the NHS four-hour A&E target recently?
No, the Trust has not met the official NHS four-hour A&E target since October 2015, although its performance has remained above the national average in recent reports.
How does WWL rank in planned operations?
As of April 2018, WWL ranked 5th out of 128 trusts, with 94.3% of patients waiting less than 18 weeks for planned care.
What is the Trust's performance in cancer care?
WWL is highly competitive in cancer care, ranking 18th out of 133 trusts, with 91.7% of patients starting treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral.
What awards has the Trust received for its management?
The Health Service Journal named WWL the Provider Trust of the Year in 2014 and the second best acute trust to work for in 2015.
What are the concerns regarding A&E patient stays?
A 2022 report indicated that it had become increasingly common for patients to die in the A&E department, with some patients experiencing stays of up to 48 hours.