• Hospital
  • Independent hospital

Express Diagnostics

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

6 Research Way, Plymouth Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8BU (01752) 201144

Provided and run by:
Express Diagnostics Limited

Latest inspection summary

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Background to this inspection

Updated 31 January 2023

Express Diagnostics Ltd is a private company providing diagnostic cardiology tests, audiology services and lung function tests. The service opened in 1994. It had not previously been rated.

Patients were referred to the service by the NHS and private hospitals. Individuals could also self-refer to the service. Patients included both adults and children. The service was open during working hours on Monday to Friday but could also provide appointments outside of these times.

The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. The service employed around 60 staff.

The service was registered to carry out the following regulated activities:

  • Diagnostic and screening procedures
  • Treatment of disease, disorder or injury

Overall inspection

Good

Updated 31 January 2023

We last inspected Express Diagnostics in 2013 but we had not previously given a rating. This was the first inspection for Express Diagnostics using our current methodology and ratings. We rated it as good because:

  • The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
  • Staff provided good care and treatment. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and had access to good information. Key services were available to suit patients needs.
  • Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs.
  • The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for their appointments.
  • Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.