Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital

Ratings - Surgery

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Outstanding

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

We carried out an onsite unannounced assessment visit of Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital on 25 and 26 February 2026. Surgical services provided include orthopaedic and general surgery, and cosmetic procedures for private and NHS patients. The location had 3 theatres, 1 endoscopy suite, 1 ward with 21 individual patient rooms, 1 day case surgical ward and a physiotherapy department.

We assessed 33 quality statements from the safe, effective, responsive, caring and well-led key questions. During the assessment, we spoke with staff, leaders and patients. We reviewed care records, policies, and other documentation relevant to the service.

At the previous inspection we rated surgery as good. At this assessment the rating remains good. The previous breaches had been addressed or were in the process of being addressed. Cleaning was now closely monitored, the service had received Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation, and the replacement flooring process had begun. We found no new breaches.

We rated the service as good. The service provided compassionate and person-centred care. Staff reported a collaborative culture where they felt supported by their colleagues and the management team. Staff knew how to report incidents and learning was shared amongst teams. Staff had access to a range of electronic learning and were up to date with mandatory training. However, we observed some areas where infection prevention and control required improvement. These were raised with staff, and most were responded to at the time of our visit or were in the process of being addressed.

People's experience of this service

The feedback we received from the patients we spoke with during our visit was overwhelmingly positive about staff treating them with kindness and providing effective care and treatment.

Everyone said they felt safe and their treatment was explained. They felt involved in their care decisions and staff responded when they asked for help. People felt the hospital was well organised.

Regarding the care they had received, one patient said “Absolutely spot on, amazing. Sorry to go home.” and another described their care as “Brilliant”. However, some patients said they had difficulties with parking. The provider was aware of this issue and had employed a parking attendant to help with the situation.