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Monitor has closed its investigation into the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust after it put in place measures to improve its A&E performance.

The health sector regulator launched its investigation in May 2013 because of persistent breaches of the national four-hour A&E waiting time target. Monitor is satisfied that the trust has the appropriate measures in place to ensure that it now meets the national targets.

The regulator also had concerns about how long some patients were waiting for other types of treatment. Monitor has concluded that the trust is addressing the issues that caused it to breach the national target to see patients waiting for planned treatment within 18 weeks.

Paul Streat, Regional Director at Monitor, said:

"We have closed our investigation as the trust is working hard to improve its A&E performance and the length of time some patients are waiting for treatment.

"We will keep a close watch on the trust’s performance to make sure that these improvements continue."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• For further information please contact the Press Office on press.office@monitor.gov.uk or 020 3747 0800
• Monitor is the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them. Information about Monitor’s role can be found here
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