INSPECTORS say care has improved at a hospital in Weston but concerns remain over racism, discrimination and excessive working hours of staff. 

The Care and Quality Commission (CQC) - a healthcare watchdog - upgraded Weston General Hospital, on Grange Road, from 'inadequate' last year to 'requires improvement' following a visit in August.

But inspectors said there were 'ongoing concerns around racist behaviours and discrimination against staff who were from ethnic minority backgrounds'.

The report, published on October 12, detailed 'cultural issues' between minority ethnic workers and 'segregation' of those recruited from overseas, but said the leadership team would tackle it as a 'priority'.

UHBW chief executive, Eugine Yafele, said: "We’re saddened and disappointed that our colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds are experiencing discrimination at work. 

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind and tackling the cultural issues continue to be a priority for us.

"There is no management instruction for staff to adopt Western names at work and the additional equality, diversity and inclusion training we have put in place for staff addresses micro-aggressive behaviours such as this which will not be tolerated by the trust."

It praised patient care however and said 'several members of staff told us working at Weston was like working with family'.

Inspectors assured the overall rating for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Weston General, remains good.

The report set out how safety has improved while caring remains 'good' and responsiveness 'requires improvement'. 

A new management team installed at the hospital was commended by the CQC which explained they were 'visible and approachable' for staff and patients.

But some employees 'often worked over their paid hours' and ward managers and matrons worked excessively, as medical staffing was 'stretched' out of hours, especially at the weekends.

Eugine Yafele added: “We are pleased inspectors found many positives, including how staff treat patients with compassion and kindness.

"The CQC found exemplary practice in staff dedication to the future direction of the hospital as a thriving one at the heart of the community.

"Whilst all this is a significant step in the right direction, we know there is more to do. We are committed to making the necessary improvements and ensuring our talented and dedicated staff have the time and resources they need to deliver excellent care to our patients."

The CQC also said the hospital has a reducing vacancy rate of 12.3 per cent, down from 28 per cent in January of last year. 

But staff turnover rose by almost two per cent from 2021.