Retiring CQC boss visits West Suffolk Hospital to congratulate staff on 'outstanding' rating

The boss of the Care Quality Commission visited West Suffolk Hospital the day before his retirement to congratulate staff on its 'outstanding' rating.

Sir David Behan, who was chief executive of the CQC for six years, said the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust's journey to the top grade was 'hard won and many years in the making'.

During his visit to the hospital last Monday, Sir David enjoyed a tour and gave a talk to staff to share his reflections on good leadership after a 40 year career.

He said: "It's been a pleasure to visit the trust and to meet some of its fantastic people.

"What stands out at the West Suffolk is the culture - one that is of openness and learning, and where leaders support their people.

"The outstanding rating is a reflection of that."

The trust is one of just seven general hospitals in England and the only one in the Midlands and East region to hold the 'outstanding' rating.

Dr Stephen Dunn, chief executive of the trust, said: "It was truly a privilege to host David and we felt very honoured that he chose to visit us and meet our outstanding staff during the final week of his role.

"Though outstanding doesn't mean perfect, we are exceptionally proud of our rating and the fact that our staff say we are one of the best places to work in the NHS.

"It was fantastic for our staff to hear first-hand from David about his experiences and his time as a leader, not just at the CQC but across his whole career.

"We're so grateful to him for taking the time to share some of his learning with our teams."