King's College Hospital surgery rated 'Good' after CQC inspection
Improvements in staff training and patient care noted, but staffing shortages and long waits remain
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Surgical care at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill has been rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, marking an improvement from its 2019 rating of 'Requires Improvement'. The CQC carried out a short-notice inspection on 14-15 April 2026, with remote interviews continuing until 23 April. The hospital, part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, serves residents in Southwark and Lambeth.
Inspection findings
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Inspectors found that the hospital had made significant improvements in staff training and patient-centred care. Antoinette Smith, CQC deputy director of hospitals in London, said the service now provides consistently high-quality care. She noted that leaders had ensured staff received immediate training and support to care for patients safely.
During the inspection, CQC staff visited wards, surgical ambulatory care units, theatres, and recovery areas. They spoke with over 80 staff members, including nurses, doctors, and managers, as well as 21 patients and their relatives. Inspectors reviewed 25 patient records and observed a culture of learning and improvement.
It was clear that leaders understood the service well, including a few larger areas that still needed some improvement, such as the number of staff and long waits for certain procedures.
Antoinette Smith, CQC deputy director of hospitals in London
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Patients reported positive experiences, describing staff as kind, caring, and responsive to their needs. However, inspectors noted that risks to patients were not always consistently assessed, and staffing shortages remained an issue. Long waits for surgery were also highlighted as a concern.
Trust response
Matthew Trainer, chief executive of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, welcomed the rating. He said the feedback reflected the hard work of staff and a commitment to listening to patients. Trainer added that patients should feel confident in receiving high-quality surgical care at the hospital.
The CQC report, published on 30 July 2026, rated the hospital 'Good' across all categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. The trust is now expected to address the remaining issues, including staffing levels and waiting times, as part of its ongoing improvement plans.
What happens next
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will continue to work on the areas identified for improvement, particularly staffing shortages and reducing waiting times. The trust has not announced a date for the next CQC inspection, but further assessments may be conducted if concerns arise or as part of routine monitoring.
Questions this report answers
+What did the CQC inspection find at King's College Hospital?
The CQC rated King’s College Hospital’s surgery services as 'Good' in 2026, an improvement from 'Requires Improvement' in 2019. Inspectors praised staff training and patient care but noted ongoing staffing shortages and long waits for surgery.
+Which areas did the CQC rate as 'Good'?
The CQC rated King’s College Hospital 'Good' across all categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. The overall rating for surgery services also improved to 'Good' from its previous rating.
+What issues still need to be addressed at the hospital?
The CQC identified staffing shortages and long waits for surgery as ongoing issues. The hospital must address these areas to sustain its improved rating and ensure consistent patient care.
+Who is responsible for King's College Hospital?
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for the hospital. The trust serves residents in Southwark and Lambeth and oversees improvements following the CQC inspection.
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