A hospital trust stuck in special measures since 2013 has released its fresh improvement plan on its “journey to become outstanding”.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospital Trust (BHRUT) which runs King George Hospital in Goodmayes and Queen's Hospital in Romford was placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December 2013.

CQC inspectors returned again this year and, in a report released last month, said the trust still requires improvement despite making "significant progress" in some areas.

Now BHRUT has launched its refreshed improvement plan, Delivering our Potential, as part of its ongoing drive to improve care.

It details how the trust hopes to recruit more staff, improve management and administration of medicines and embed a culture of safety first when assessing risk.

There will also be the introduction of welcome packs and set mealtimes for patients, and the IT system will be revamped.

Last month, staff at the accident and emergency departments at the two hospitals managed to see, treat and discharge 95.6 per cent patients within four hours for the first time in four years.

The trust will publish its progress monthly as it seeks to emerge from special measures.

Chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: “We have set strong foundations to continue our journey to become outstanding.

"Over the past 12 months I have been incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve with the help and support of our partners, patients and local communities.

“Our staff and partners have worked incredibly hard to get us this far, and we will now focus our efforts on continuing our improvement journey.

“Since being placed in special measures, we have started to stabilise our organisation and lay the foundations that will enable us to become a resilient and sustainable trust.

“There are many strategic challenges and opportunities ahead and we will continue to work with our partners to improve the care we provide together for our patients."