Salisbury District Hospital surgery services rated as requiring improvement after CQC inspection

Salisbury District Hospital has been told it must introduce an action plan after inspectors raised concerns about the safety and organisation of its surgical services.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its findings following an inspection of the Wiltshire hospital in September 2025, rating the surgical service as "requires improvement".

Inspectors highlighted concerns over the storage of surgical equipment and sterilised instrument packs, warning there was "uncertainty" about whether some instruments were safe to use in operating theatres.

The CQC said the hospital had not fully addressed long-standing storage problems, which resulted in damaged packaging and could increase the risk of infection for patients.

Inspectors also raised concerns about delays affecting patients. Some people were reportedly waiting up to four hours for a ward bed, causing delays for patients arriving from the emergency department who needed surgery.

The report also found that the main theatre reception area did not provide enough privacy for patients during clinical discussions, creating concerns around confidentiality and patient experience.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said it accepted the areas identified for improvement and had already started work to address the concerns.

A trust spokesperson said improvements were underway to strengthen theatre arrangements and provide "safe, effective, patient-centred and compassionate care".

Despite the concerns, inspectors also highlighted positive feedback from patients. The hospital’s day surgery unit received 98% positive responses, while surgical inpatient wards received around 96% positive feedback.

The CQC also praised the service for maintaining a stable nursing workforce and performing above national averages in key hip fracture outcomes.

The trust said future improvements will also be supported by a planned diagnostic and surgical hub, which is expected to help improve services for patients.

The full CQC report is expected to be published shortly.