A hospital emergency care unit has been graded as 'inadequate' by the health watchdog.

The Countess of Chester Hospital was issued with an urgent warning notice after ‘repeated breaches’ were found in legal regulations in five areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The inspection, carried out in February 2025, found there were numerous breaches in a variety of areas, including dignity and respect - and safeguarding from abuse.

The inspection came in response to concerns around access, flow, and care of both mental health patients in the department, and patients in non-clinical areas.

The CQC has now issued a warning notice to the trust, saying it must make significant improvements to their quality of healthcare.

The notice breaches five of the legal regulations in relation to

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