HOSPITAL bosses are preparing themselves for an unannounced visit by government inspectors.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals is among the first wave of trusts in the country to undergo a new style of checks being carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors were at the trust earlier this month to speak to staff, patients and interest groups to check it was meeting standards.

The next stage of the process will be an unannounced visit in the next two to three weeks.

In a message to staff, chief executive Matthew Kershaw said initial feedback from the team had found the overall care and commitment demonstrated by staff was “impressive”.

Inspectors singled out the therapists who work with stroke patients, the work done to support teenage mums, critical care and the care given to dementia patients.

Areas that needed improvement included the central booking hub for appointments, the condition of some of the older buildings, staffing levels in some areas and the flow of patients in A&E.

Mr Kershaw said: “The challenges they reflected on were all ones we had highlighted to them and, in their words, we have a grip on and are addressing.”

The trust runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath among others.