- Independent hospital
Sulis Bath Hospital Limited Also known as Circle Bath
Assessment report published 9 October 2025
Ratings - Surgery
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 21 January to 06 March 2025. This assessment was carried out in response to concerns we had about the service. We looked at 22 quality statements across the key questions of safe, effective and well-led.
Safe:
The service had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. Leaders 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 and risks mitigated. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. The service worked well with people to understand and manage risks. Leaders made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff involved people in planning any changes, but did not always manage medicines well.
Effective:
Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Patients always had enough to eat and drink. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. Staff did not always make sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent.
Well led:
Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Leaders worked with external stakeholders to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas. Most staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. The service did not manage risk effectively despite clear systems and structures for good governance. There was an increased risk that people could be harmed. The service was in breach of legal regulation in relation to the governance of the service. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
Patients praised staff highly for treating them with warmth, kindness and dignity. They said the service was efficient and public areas were clean. The only criticism patients shared, was due to poor parking facilities. Records showed they were given pain relief when it was needed. Patients felt there were enough staff available if they needed them for help or support.
Local patient advocacy groups like Healthwatch had not been contacted by people to provide feedback about this service. We collected feedback from 36 patients on the day of the on-site assessment.