Archived: Optical Express - Newcastle (Northumberland Road) Clinic

24 Northumberland Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8JF (0191) 232 5167

Provided and run by:
DCM Optical Clinic plc

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

All Inspections

4 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We asked people their views of the service while they were waiting for their procedures and also after having had a procedure. Comments received were very positive and referred to the environment, staff attitude and treatment received. One person who used the service said they had ' been given all the information needed to make a decision to go ahead. This has been a lovely experience, really pleasant. I was apprehensive but the way I have been treated has reassured me'.

We were also told that 'there is nothing to improve; staff are very professional and friendly. They have kept me informed about what is happening.'

We observed people waiting for their appointments and saw they were reassured beforehand by staff, appropriate surroundings, music and a comfortable environment.

We saw there were information leaflets at the reception area and throughout the building that encouraged people who used the service to make complaints, suggestions or concerns known. There were leaflets explaining patient information collected and how this was protected, used and stored.

3 January 2013

During a routine inspection

People were given all the information they needed to make an informed decision about their treatment, and were asked to sign their consent to such treatment. This was confirmed to us by a patient, who told us, 'I was given loads of information and talked through what was involved, what the risks were etc. before I made my decision. I was given time to absorb the information and could ask the surgeon anything I wanted'

No treatment was undertaken until a full ophthalmic examination and assessment had been conducted and medical history taken. The benefits and risks of treatment were explained, as were the treatment options. Treatment was carried out as agreed and planned with the patient. A recent survey of the views of 21 patients showed 100% satisfaction with the care provided by their surgeon.

There were systems in place to identify and respond appropriately to any issues of actual or suspected abuse of children and vulnerable adults at the clinic.

People were protected from the risk of infection by regular staff training in infection control and by the application of appropriate cleaning and disinfecting systems.

Staff at the clinic were given regular training and were given a professional appraisal of their work every year.

A complaints system was in place that encouraged patient feedback as important for improving the service. Complaints were taken seriously and responded to appropriately.