A lot of shortcomings have been reported in a London NHS hospital trust that include equipment shortfalls, concerns over patient safety, and staffing levels.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) was informed by James Brokenshire, Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, about several problems being faced by the South London Healthcare NHS Trust following representations from medical staff.

He said, "I had a meeting with a number of senior clinicians from the trust three weeks ago raising concerns over clinical safety issues, particularly the availability of essential equipment and some staffing levels; the impact this was having and the fact matters were not being addressed."

There were other shortcomings concerning linen, cancellation of operations, and referral times for patients. According to Brokenshire he had to meet the trust representatives, who stated that problems were being faced while procuring equipment and there was an improvement needed in communications with medical teams.

The MP said, "In order for me to fulfill my duty of care to constituents, I decided to refer the matter to the CQC to gain assurances externally that the trust was meeting clinical standards."

A South London Healthcare NHS Trust spokesman felt that the trust was progressing but more was needed for it to continue this trajectory.