“"These results reflect the determination and hard work of our colleagues across Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals. The improvements recognised by the CQC are significant. Ealing Hospital is now rated good overall, urgent and emergency care at both hospitals is rated good, and children and young people's services at Northwick Park have also improved to good. Most importantly, inspectors saw the difference our teams are making for patients: faster assessment, safer and more comfortable environments, better communication and care delivered with dignity and compassion. We know there is more to do, and we will continue addressing the areas identified by the CQC. But this is important progress, and I want to thank every colleague whose hard work, professionalism and commitment to our patients has made it possible."
Ealing and Northwick Park Hospitals See Major Improvements in CQC Ratings
Care Quality Commission recognises significant progress, with five services now rated 'good' following recent inspections.
By Priya Shah
••2 min read
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Ealing Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital have received significant recognition from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for major improvements in their services, with five areas now rated 'good' following inspections in July 2026.
Ealing Hospital has achieved an overall 'good' rating, while urgent and emergency care at both Ealing and Northwick Park have been upgraded from 'requires improvement' to 'good'. Services for children and young people at Northwick Park have also improved to 'good', and end-of-life care at both hospitals retains its 'good' rating.
These advancements build upon progress noted by the CQC last year, which saw Central Middlesex Hospital and its urgent care services rated 'good'. The CQC conducted focused inspections of urgent and emergency care services to evaluate the progress made since previous assessments. Inspectors confirmed that the Trust had addressed earlier regulatory breaches concerning dignity and safe care, meaning both hospitals are no longer in breach of regulations.
Key improvements highlighted by inspectors include prompt patient assessments and triaging, redesigned emergency departments prioritising patient safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity, and additional staffing with better arrangements for patients in temporary escalation spaces. Specialist assessments for children and young people by paediatric emergency teams, improved translated information and real-time interpretation services, effective demand management at Ealing to direct patients appropriately, and compassionate, dignified end-of-life care were also noted.
Despite these positive developments, Northwick Park Hospital and the Trust as a whole continue to be rated as 'requires improvement' overall. The Trust is committed to embedding the progress made and addressing further areas identified by inspectors. The full reports are scheduled for publication on the CQC website on Wednesday 21 October.
Based on information from the official source: London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (21/10/2026)
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