The CQC highlighted the introduction of a structured two-year improvement programme that contributed to improved performance against the four-hour standard, better patient flow and a more positive culture across the service.

Antoinette Smith, CQC deputy director of hospitals in London, said: ‘When we inspected urgent and emergency care at University College Hospital & Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, we found that leaders and staff had worked hard to make real improvements since our last visit. A positive safety culture was clearly in place now, where incidents were investigated thoroughly, lessons were learned and staff felt supported rather than blamed when things went wrong.'

UCLH chief executive David Probert said: ‘We are delighted that the CQC has rated our urgent and emergency services as good. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the talent and dedication of our staff who work year-round to provide safe, high-quality care to patients.

‘We're very proud of the many examples of compassionate care, teamwork, leadership and innovation inspectors observed, which was supported by positive feedback from patients.

‘There are, of course, areas where we can improve further, particularly as demand for our services continues to increase, and we have already begun acting upon inspectors' feedback.'