The chief executive of the trust which runs Whipps Cross Hospital has apologised after it was placed in special measures following a damning Care Quality Commission (CQC) report.

It was announced today that Barts Health NHS Trust has been put under special measures by the Trust Development Authority after a CQC inspection showed failings of care at the Leytonstone hospital.

The report on Whipps Cross found insufficient staffing levels to provide safe care, high use of agency staff and low staff morale.

It revealed a culture of bullying and harassment, with a rising bed occupancy rate, and a failure to meet national waiting time targets.

Barts Health, which also runs Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, St Bartholomews in The City, Newham University Hospital, Mile End Hospital and the London Chest Clinic, reported a debt of around £63million last year.

This is believed to have risen to around £90million due to liabilities relating to a private finance initiative for redevelopment.

Trust chief executive Peter Morris, chairman Stephen O'Brien, and chief nurse Professor Kay Riley all announced they will step down recently.  

Mr Morris today apologised for the failings at Whipps Cross.

He said: “We are very sorry for the failings identified by the CQC in some of our services at Whipps Cross and we know the trust has a big challenge ahead.”

“The special measures regime is designed to aid service improvement by providing help and support where it is most needed.

“It has worked well with NHS organisations in other parts of the country and I am confident it will work here.”

“Barts Health is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of every one of its patients.

"This report describes services that fall a long way short of what we aspire to.”

The trust said it will strengthen the leadership team at Whipps Cross by appointing a managing director, director of nursing and medical director to support its day-to-day running.

An improvement board will be set up and Dr Tim Peachey, associate medical director at the NHS Trust Development Authority, has agreed to work with the Barts to help shape the improvement plan for Whipps Cross University Hospital.

Peter Morris added: “Much has been done but we recognise that more needs to be done. 

“We will take all the necessary steps to raise quality standards at Whipps Cross.

“The CQC has made clear that this report is in large measure the result of what inspectors were told by our staff. 

“We will engage fully with our staff, all of whom have a critical role to play in delivering the improvement required to raise standards further and to provide excellent patient care and treatment.

“The trust appreciates the support it is receiving from health and social care partners and we will continue to build on these important partnerships to drive rapid improvements.”