A hospital trust branded “inadequate” by inspectors has been formally placed into special measures.

The NHS Trust Development Authority (TDA) has today accepted the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) recommendation for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust made earlier this week.

The commission rated the trust’s services as ‘good’ for caring, but ‘inadequate’ overall.

Inspectors found a “worrying disconnect” between senior managers and frontline staff, allegations of bullying and a leadership described as a “dictatorship”. 

Concerns were also raised about the trust’s surgery and maternity and outpatients services. 

The trust will receive a range of support under the special measures regime.  

An Improvement Director has been appointed by the TDA, who has already begun working closely with senior leaders at the trust.

They will be working on an improvement plan and identifying where the trust will most require support in the coming months.

The TDA will also be appointing a high performing ‘buddy’ organisation from within the NHS who will be able to advise the trust on what has worked well for them and how best to put improvements in place. 

The trust’s progress will be closely scrutinised over the coming months.

TDA director Anne Eden said: “The trust has already begun its quality improvement journey.  

“However it will require significant support from us and engagement from other partners in East Sussex if they are to meet this challenge and reach a position where they are consistently providing high quality services to every patient.

“We have a track record of supporting NHS trusts in the special measures regime to improve the care and treatment they provide to patients and are confident that with the right package of support in place, this can be achieved in East Sussex as well.”

Current chairman Stuart Welling will stay in place until a replacement is found.

Former chief executive Darren Grayson stepped down earlier this year after coming under intense pressure to resign.

The trust runs Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards.

It also provides community services across East Sussex.