The Care Quality Commission
  • Hospital
  • Independent hospital

Archived: Optical Express - Reading Clinic

50 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA (0118) 971 9064

Provided and run by:
DCM Optical Clinic plc

Important: The provider of this service changed. See old profile

All Inspections

12, 15 July 2013

During a routine inspection

People had no concerns about the service and found the staff to be professional, caring, polite and friendly. People felt that confidentiality and dignity were ensured during their consultation and eye surgery visits. One person said 'I had my consultation in private in the consulting room."

People we spoke with told us they were informed about their treatment options and given information about the risks and side effects of treatment. People felt comfortable asking for more information when they needed it. One person said, "Staff explained things clearly to me.' Another person said ' The staff answered all the questions that I asked.'

The equipment used was regularly calibrated and serviced to ensure it was safe to use.

The provider had an effective recruitment, interview and selection process to ensure that people who use the service were not placed at risk of being cared for by staff who were not suitable to provide their care and treatment. Appropriate checks were always undertaken by the provider before staff began work. Examples included enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks (now called Disclosure and Barring Service checks), full employment histories and health checks.

Systems were in place to identify any possible concerns in the delivery and quality of care. These included collecting feedback from people, a complaints procedure, and monitoring of incidents.

We found staff records and other records relevant to the management of the service were accurate and fit for purpose. People's care records were stored securely and accessible only by care workers and management.

21 February 2013

During a routine inspection

People told us they were pleased with the care provided by staff at the clinic. They said staff were professional and knowledgeable. People were provided with information about their treatment and felt comfortable asking for more information when when they needed it. None of the people we spoke with felt they needed to make a complaint but told us they would feel comfortable raising concerns with any member of staff.

We found people using the service were provided with appropriate care to meet their needs. People were informed about their treatment options and given information about the risks and side effects of treatment. However, where people did not speak or understand English effectively, there were no arrangements to ensure they understood the information which was given to them.

Staff understood the clinic's infection prevention and control measures. Supervision arrangements were in place. There were opportunities for staff to continue their professional development. The clinic used feedback from people who used the service in order to improve the quality of people's experiences with the clinic.

19 March 2012

During a routine inspection

We did not speak to patients as the clinic was not operating on the day of the inspection visit. We reviewed the information that the clinic held in regard to their own patient satisfaction processes conducted during the previous three months.