The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust no longer has the lowest possible rating following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The trust was rated 'inadequate' overall and placed into special measures following an inspection in June 2016.

CQC inspectors visiting Princess Alexandra Hospital between December 5 and 7 found marked improvements at the 1960s' institution.

Staff were better at assessing and responding to patient risk, the management structure was clear and effective, and nurses and doctors were kind and compassionate.

Several areas of concern remained however, stopping the Harlow hospital turning a 'requires improvement' into a 'good' or 'outstanding' rating.

Waiting times from referral to treatment were below the national average, staff levels and those who had completed mandatory training were low and medical records were not always completed.

Professor Ted Baker, CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals, said: "Our return to The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust showed significant improvement had taken place. This is reflected in the trust’s new rating - which has improved from 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement' overall - and our recommendation to NHS Improvement that the trust now comes out of special measures.

"Our inspectors found a dedicated staff who had worked hard to ensure improvements were made. They also witnessed a number of areas of outstanding care, particularly in the children and young people’s service, all of which was fantastic to see.

"We also saw improvements in the ratings for end-of-life care, critical care and urgent and emergency services."

While the new rating is a clear improvement, the Trust's issues are far from resolved.

It currently has a £50m maintenance backlog and little room for expansion on site.

Professor Baker added: "This trust has to ensure it continues and consolidates this work and makes further changes so that people receive the care they should be able to expect.

"We have given feedback to the trust on where it needs to make improvements and we will return to check on its progress.

"The trust’s staff and leadership should be proud of their achievement so far and they know what they must do to ensure any remaining improvements are made."