The inspection followed two warning notices in April and May related to concerns about consent, safeguarding, safe care and treatment, management of services, staffing and the safety of the premises at Colchester Hospital.

Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of operations in the East of England, said there had been a deterioration in the safety of the services with people regularly treated in corridors.

One person in mental health crisis was observed waiting over 100 hours for a mental health bed and staff said another person stayed nine days in the emergency department.

In medical services, there were not staff to consistently meet care needs with people missing help with eating and personal care.

ESNEFT said ‘significant steps' had been taken to address recommendations, including: strengthening recruitment to boost staffing in key areas; updating policies and guidance to make sure care is delivered to best practice standards; providing extra mental health training for staff in urgent and emergency care; reducing corridor care in the emergency department; and implementing EpicEPR, a new electronic patient record system, to improve documentation and communication.

The trust has also launched a new Fundamentals of Care Board, focused on five key areas: improving staffing, leadership, and morale; strengthening training and compliance with national standards; improving timely access to medicines and therapies; enhancing discharge planning and communication; and improving safety practices and infection control protocols.

Nick Hulme, ESNEFT chief executive, said: 'This report reflects a point in time. A significant amount of work has taken place since the inspection in April. We are determined to build on that progress and to make sure every patient receives the best possible care.'