In response to the Care Quality Commission’s well-led report about Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (rated: Requires Improvement), Brendan Brown, who joined as interim Chief Executive in mid-September 2025, said:
“The CQC has identified that we have work to do to improve in a number of areas, particularly around our leadership processes, and ensuring a better balance between finances and the quality of our services. We must focus on listening to our patients, our communities and our colleagues and be more curious about what we’re told. We also need to improve on how we act on what we hear. These changes need to happen quickly, as it is what the people we care for and work alongside expect and deserve.
“Working together with our new Chair Antony Kildare and the wider Board, my priority is to make sure we address these fundamental issues.
“The CQC received reports of colleagues being subjected to racist and bullying behaviours, and a number of staff members said their concerns weren’t listened to and that they experienced detriment after raising issues. I want to sincerely apologise to those colleagues. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues feel safe, respected, and supported, but we clearly have more work to do to ensure racism, discrimination and bullying have no place in our hospitals.
“There are a range of positive findings in the report which give us a firm base to build on. The CQC identified that among senior leaders there was a coherent consensus of where the Trust was in terms of its strategic ambition and operational delivery, and how we need to improve to deliver consistent care that is safe and person-centred.
“The CQC also noted that patient surveys evidence positive experiences, we take pride in our research, innovation and partnership working, and a clear vision for reducing our impact on the environment.”
Anyone who wishes to raise a concern or make a comment about their experience at Leeds Teaching Hospitals can contact the team providing their care, or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0113 206 6261 or email [email protected].