INSPECTORS have been back to check up on Basildon Hospital.

Following an initial visit by inspectors in May, the hospital was placed in special measures.

At a board of directors’ meeting, it was revealed half of the recommendations made in a report by Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director for NHS England, had been deemed to have been met.

Clare Panniker, chief executive, said: “It was very encouraging feedback. Extremely positive.

“There were ten assessors, many of whom had visited the trust in May.

“They felt we had made huge progress since they had been here last. Assessors said we had risen to the challenge.

“They had reviewed a lot of evidence we had supplied and were ready to explore new lines of enquiry.

“They spoke with executives, patients and staff and focus groups.

“They also spent a couple of hours cross-referencing what they had found out and what they had heard that day.

“We will expect to get a full report in the next few weeks.”

Basildon Hospital is set to be inspected by the Care Quality Commission again early next year.

The commission inspected the hospital in September, raising concerns.

Following changes by the body, aimed at a more rigorous inspection process, it said it will be revisiting the hospital in March.

Inspectors will spend three days with staff.

Ms Panniker said bosses were hopeful of a positive report.

She said a successful outcome from that would hopefully be the trigger for the hospital to be lifted out of special measures.