- Independent hospital
Rivers Hospital
Assessment report published 14 October 2026
Contents
Ratings - Medical care (Including older people's care)
Our view of the service
Ramsay Health Care Rivers Hospital is an independent hospital located in Sawbridgeworth, on the Hertfordshire–Essex border. It primarily serves the communities of Hertfordshire, Essex and East London, while also accepting patients from a wider geographical area through private medical insurance, self-pay arrangements and NHS contracts.
The hospital provided a wide range of surgical and medical services.
The service had enough staff to care for people and keep them safe. Staff received training in key skills and managed infection prevention and control risks effectively. They assessed patient risks and took appropriate action to minimise harm. Premises, facilities and equipment were clean, well maintained and suitable for their intended purpose. Medicines were stored and managed safely, and incidents were investigated promptly with a focus on learning, continuous improvement and the sharing of best practice.
Staff assessed people’s health needs and delivered effective care and treatment in line with national guidance and best practice. They monitored patients’ nutritional needs, managed pain relief effectively and worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to ensure positive outcomes. The service routinely reviewed the effectiveness of care and treatment and used the findings to drive improvements and maintain good patient outcomes. Staff treated people with compassion, kindness and respect, maintaining their privacy and dignity while recognising individual needs and preferences. They were responsive to patients’ needs and provided emotional support to reduce anxiety and distress. The hospital had systems in place to support staff wellbeing, promote safe working practices and provide professional support. Staff spoke positively about the leadership and the support they received from managers.
People's experience of this service
Patients were positive about the staff treating them with warmth and kindness and providing effective care and treatment. Patients said the call bells and concerns were always answered quickly and they all felt they could get assistance if needed. Patients told us they were given time to ask question about their treatment and staff had checked they understood what treatment plans included.