Buckshaw Hospital

Updated 27 July 2026

17 March 2026

Buckshaw Hospital provides a range of private services and undertakes NHS contracts. This assessment looked at diagnostic imaging, surgical and medical care due to risks identified. The rating from diagnostic imaging, surgical and medical care has been combined with ratings of the other services from the last inspections. See our previous reports to get a full picture of all other services at Buckshaw Hospital. The rating of Buckshaw Hospital remains good.

In our assessment of diagnostic imaging, surgical and medical care we found:

The services had a strong learning culture. Staff understood how to raise concerns and reported incidents appropriately. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly and shared learning to improve practice.

All areas of the hospital were clean and tidy. Equipment was new and in good condition.

The services were appropriately staffed with the correct skill mix to provide a good standard of care.

Patient outcomes were positive and met expectations. Staff assessed and monitored patients’ pain effectively and provided timely and appropriate pain relief.

Staff treated patients with kindness and compassion. They respected patients’ privacy and dignity and treated them as individuals, taking account of their preferences.

The service worked to reduce health and care inequalities through service planning, quality monitoring, staff training and the use of patient feedback. Patients were involved in planning their care and were supported to understand their options, including the choice to withdraw from or decline treatment.

Leaders had effective oversight of the quality of care provided. Governance and risk management systems were in place and used to monitor performance, manage risks and drive improvements.

Staff told us they felt supported by the management team and spoke positively about working at Buckshaw Hospital.

The surgical service included general, orthopaedics, gynaecology, urology, vascular and cosmetic. The medical service provided endoscopy. The service provides diagnostic imaging for patients referred for a range of investigations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound.

On arrival at the hospital, there was a large waiting area where patients were booked in by reception staff. There were 2 other waiting areas located next to the ward and diagnostic imaging department, which provided a quieter space for patients waiting for their appointment.

The surgical and medical services had a ward area comprising of 4 admission pods, 4 bedded high-care recovery room and 8 recovery pods on the ward. There were 2 theatres (one theatre used for endoscopy). At the inspection the endoscopy list was in the morning and the surgical list was in the afternoon.

Patients who had surgery or endoscopy were managed as day cases treated by a named consultant.

The diagnostic imaging service had a range of diagnostic investigations, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging. Diagnostic imaging services were delivered from a dedicated department within the hospital, supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising radiographers, radiologists, and administrative staff.

Patients typically attended for a single diagnostic appointment, with results and any subsequent follow-up care managed by the referring clinician.

Updated 17 November 2025

The service provided diagnostic imaging for patients referred for a range of investigations, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and Ultrasound (US). MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, CT uses X-rays and computer processing, and ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structures within the body. Services were delivered from a dedicated department within the hospital, supported by a multidisciplinary team of radiographers, radiologists and administrative staff.

Patients typically attend for a single diagnostic appointment, with follow-up care managed by referring clinicians.

We inspected all areas of the diagnostic imaging department, including MRI, CT and ultrasound services, as well as referral processes, patient pathways and governance arrangements. We also reviewed how the service supported patients with additional needs and worked with external partners to ensure continuity of care. During the inspection, we spoke with 5 patients, the service manager and deputy manager, and 5 other staff working within diagnostic imaging.

The service was previously rated good, and this rating has been maintained following this assessment. Overall, we found that staff were focused on delivering patient-centred care and demonstrated a commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement. Systems were in place to support safe and effective service delivery, including robust governance arrangements, clear processes for managing risk and strong communication systems. Patient feedback was positive, and staff described a supportive and improving culture. No new breaches of regulation were identified during this assessment, and previous standards continued to be met.

Updated 26 January 2026

Medical services at Buckshaw Hospital provided endoscopy procedures.

Patients who attended Buckshaw Hospital for an endoscopy procedure used the same waiting room and ward as the surgical patients.

One theatre was used for endoscopy procedures. At the inspection the endoscopy list was in the morning and the surgical list was in the afternoon.

Updated 24 February 2026

The surgical service included general, orthopaedics, gynaecology, urology, vascular and cosmetic.
On arrival at the hospital, there was a large waiting area where patients were booked in by reception staff. There were 2 other waiting areas located next to the ward and diagnostic imaging department, which provided a quieter space for patients waiting for their appointment.
The surgical and medical services had a ward area comprising of 4 admission pods, 4 bedded high-care recovery room and 8 recovery pods on the ward. There were 2 theatres (one theatre used for endoscopy).

At the inspection the endoscopy list was in the morning and the surgical list was in the afternoon.