Dudley hospital trust is taking on 50 new nurses

It is one of a series of measures outlined in an action plan drawn up by the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust following an investigation by NHS medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh.

The Government report highlighted concerns over staffing levels, communication, complaints handling and safety checking at Russells Hall Hospital, and the trust has now responded.

Chief executive of the trust Paula Clark announced the recruitment at a council of governors meeting held at the hospital last night.

Around 50 newly qualified graduates will be taken on this month following completion of their training.

A review has also taken place to ensure nursing staff levels are appropriate for the demands of each shift – with agency workers brought in to supplement numbers if needed.

Members of the committee board were also told equipment and safety checks were carried out daily with an audit also taking place each month. Systems have also been put in place to ensure staff can readily identify patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers so preventative care can take place.

And to improve response times to complaints, the trust's complaints and Patient Advice and Liaison Service will be amalgamated from next month as part of a restructure.

An interim quality manager has also been taken on to undertake a review of the incidents process to meet the requirements of the review.

Sections of the action plan are divided between urgent, high and medium priorities which all have to be addressed.

Governor Martin Kendall said: "It shows the report has been considered fully and quick action taken to address the concerns."

A number of measures have been outlined in the action plan, some of which have already been implemented. Miss Clark said although it now formed part of the action plan the trust had intended to take on additional staff before the Sir Bruce Keogh investigation and funding had been put aside for that purpose.