A spokeswoman for NHS Humber Health Partnership said: “Our current NHS Oversight Framework (NOF) ratings rightly reflects the scale of the challenges we face. However, we also welcome the additional support it unlocks so we can accelerate clinically-led improvements already under way.

“Patient safety is at the centre of our improvement plan, the driving force behind all clinically-led changes, and its importance is underlined daily to staff at all five hospitals. Our Chiefs of Service, some of our most highly skilled and experienced doctors, are now integrated into our Senior Leadership Team, empowered to make decisions and allocate resources to deliver safe, effective care. The establishment of a Clinical Policy Group is also giving senior nurses, medical directors and clinical specialists a powerful, collective voice, ensuring clinical perspectives inform and direct every decision as we strive for excellence in patient care and patient safety.

“Operating theatre capacity is being maximised at all five hospitals as we tackle waiting lists and support for tertiary services – covering everything from neurosciences to major trauma to address the specific and often complex needs of our population – is being strengthened to allow these highly specialised services to thrive.”

Achieving a seamless health and social care system with Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is central to the partnership’s improvement plan.

The spokeswoman said: “We’re working closely with community health providers so people receive the right care closer to home, avoiding unnecessary trips to our emergency departments, wherever possible.

“We’re also driving deeper coordination with local authorities so patients well enough to leave hospital can be discharged safely, with appropriate levels of support, so those who need hospital care can be admitted without delay.

“We are realistic about the scale of the challenges we face. Some changes are happening quickly – others will take more time.

“Our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are highly skilled and deeply committed to providing the best possible care with the highest standards of patient safety. But to make lasting improvements, we must ensure their expertise is at the heart of how we lead and make decisions. That’s why we are working to strengthen and improve the services we deliver by empowering our experienced clinicians to deliver and shape the services our communities receive today and tomorrow.”