- Independent hospital
Nuffield Health North Staffordshire Hospital
Assessment report published 21 September 2026
Contents
Ratings - Outpatients
Our view of the service
The date of the assessment was 7 and 8 July 2026. The reason for the assessment was an aged rating. The last inspection for the outpatients department was carried out in August 2019, and the report was published early January 2020 with an overall rating of Good.
The hospital provides services for children, young people and adults. The services were available to insured, self-funding people and NHS patients. The hospital is has 12 outpatient consulting rooms. There is also an outpatient department and physiotherapy services available. On this assessment the outpatients department was rated as good overall.
Safe:
The service had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly. People were protected and kept safe. Staff understood and managed risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people, were clean and well-maintained. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications, and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Medicines were managed safely. Patients were safe from neglect, abuse, and discrimination.
Effective
People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s personal and health needs. Care was based on the latest evidence and good practice. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Patient outcomes met expectations. Patients received effective information on pain; this was quickly identified and well managed.
Caring
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. Staff responded to people in a timely way. Staff supported patients to understand their choices, ask questions and make informed decisions about their care and treatment. The service supported staff wellbeing.
Responsive
People were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the service took it seriously and acted on it. The service worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback. The service relieved pressure on other departments when they could treat patients the same day.
Well Led
Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. Leaders had sound oversight of the quality of service being delivered through effective governance and risk management systems. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills and take on more senior roles. Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning, and trust. Staff felt supported by giving feedback and were treated equally. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. There was a culture of continuous improvement.
People's experience of this service
Feedback from patients and their families was positive. They said staff treated them with warmth and kindness and provided effective care and treatment. Generally, people told us they were seen quickly when they arrived and were informed about any delays in waiting times. 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 were seen on the same day when contacting the service with concerns regarding their treatment. Patients reported their pain was well managed. Patients knew how to leave feedback and make a complaint if they needed to.