Government inspectors have recommended that the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust be taken out of special measures.

The trust was rated as requiring improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2016 and 2017 and put into special measures that latter year.

Now staff at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals were commended for the "tangible signs of improvement" in the latest report from the governing body published today.

Despite the latest recommendation from the CQC, however, the report recognises where there is still more to do in urgent and emergency, medical and surgery services, which are rated as "requires improvement."

The ongoing work required in these areas means the overall trust rating has stayed the same at “requires improvement.”

Chief executive Kate Shields said: “The report shows what a long way we have come in a short time. I am delighted that the CQC have seen the tangible signs of improvement in many areas which reflects the dedication and application of our staff.

"We are pleased with their recommendation that our hospitals are taken out of special measures.”

The report gives a balanced view of progress and highlights many areas where progress has been made.

• Maternity services which were the subject of a ‘29a warning notice’ only a few years ago have now been rated as ‘Good Overall.’

• End of Life Care and Outpatients services have also all improved ratings to ‘Good Overall.’

• The rating of how Effective Services are has improved to ‘Good.’

• The rating of how Well-led services are at the Trust was also improved to ‘Good.’

Kate added: "I am particularly pleased to see the recognition that we are well-led.

"This is not just for the board but for everyone who is doing their job so well and playing their part in the wonderful teams we have at our hospitals caring for the people of Cornwall. Everyone has contributed to making the trust a very different place to work – we should be proud.”

She added: "We have proved what can be achieved in just a couple of years and I know everyone is determined to keep the momentum going to improve in all the areas that need improving so we become the brilliant trust our staff and population deserve."

RCHT chairwoman Dr Mairi McLean said: “This report recognises the trust’s work to improve the areas it previously identified as needing improvement. I want to thank the board and colleagues across our hospitals for their work to achieve the culture shift that has resulted in making this possible.

"We shall tirelessly continue to build on these improvements in all areas and work ever closer with our partner organisations to ensure we provide comprehensively safe, responsive and caring services for our population.”