Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital

Ratings - Diagnostic imaging

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

We assessed diagnostic imaging at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital on 25 to 26 March 2026.

We carried out the assessment of diagnostic imaging due to the age of ratings. The service’s previous diagnostic imaging inspection was under our focused methodology in August 2022 where we inspected and rated the safe and well-led key questions only. The ratings for caring and responsive were given in 2016 where diagnostic imaging was combined with outpatients. We had not previously rated effective. At this assessment, we assessed all 33 quality statements across all key questions.

Diagnostic imaging services provided included: plain x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. The service also provided theatre radiography services.

The service carried out almost 11,000 scans in the 12 months prior to our assessment.

The quality of children and young people’s care and treatment undergoing diagnostic imaging procedures was not reviewed as part of the diagnostic imaging assessment. The children and young people’s assessment covered care for people under the age of 18.

This assessment was included as part of a pilot which looked at new and innovative ways of fulfilling CQC’s regulatory obligations. This was conducted with the consent of the provider.

Safe:

The service had a good learning culture where staff and patients could raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly. Patients were protected and kept safe because staff understood local safeguarding arrangements. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience in the service to ensure high quality care and treatment. Managers made sure staff received training and had regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff managed medicines safely. Staff understood and managed risks from the environment. However, the service did not always label MRI equipment correctly. Stock was not always stored correctly.

Effective:

Patients were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of patient’s physical emotional, communication and personal care needs. Patient outcomes met expectations. Patient’s comfort was observed throughout the procedures. Staff made sure patients understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Care and treatment was based on latest evidence and good practice guidance. However, printed procedures were not always in date.

Caring:

Patients were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated patients as individuals and supported their preferences. Staff responded to patients in a timely way. Patients had the opportunity to ask questions from allied health professionals. The service supported staff wellbeing.

Responsive:

Patients were involved in decisions about their care and treatment. The service provided information which patients could understand. Patients were invited to give feedback, knew who to speak with if they had concerns and were confident the service took their concerns seriously. Patients were involved in making decisions about their care and understood the need for the recommended diagnostic procedures.

Well-led:

There was a culture based on speaking up, listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities.

People's experience of this service

During our assessment all people we spoke with had positive experiences of the service. Patients were positive about the staff treating them with warmth and kindness and providing effective care and treatment. They felt staff were skilled and very professional. Patients told us they were given time to ask questions about their procedure and staff had checked they understood what they were having done. Patients said they were satisfied with access and waiting times. Patients were satisfied with the service they received.