- Independent hospital
Chaucer Hospital
Assessment report published 6 April 2026
Ratings - Surgery
Our view of the service
The surgery facilities include 2 operating theatres, 2 anaesthetic rooms and 3 recovery bays. There are 35 en-suite bedrooms, across 2 wards and a pre-assessment area. The service has access to, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, outpatients, on-site pharmacy, endoscopy and medical care (including oncology) within the hospital.
The main service provided by the hospital was surgery for adult patients. Specialties include orthopaedics, gynaecology, urology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and cosmetic surgery.
When we last assessed surgery services at the hospital on 1 May 2025, we rated the service good in all 5 key questions and good overall.
We carried out this focused unannounced assessment on 3 December 2025 following information of concern. We assessed the surgery service using our single assessment framework and looked at 2 key questions: safe and well-led. Through the assessment of these 2 key questions, the overall rating for surgery services remained good.
We found that the service had a strong culture of learning and improvement, where staff felt able to raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents and shared learning. Staff understood safeguarding and protected people from abuse. The care environment was in good condition, with sufficient equipment and enough trained staff to provide safe care. Staff managed infection risks, assessed risks to people, and managed medicines well.
The service had a shared vision, values, and strategic objectives. Governance processes were effective, and staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Leaders were respected, visible, and inclusive, and staff felt valued and able to speak up. Leaders managed risks well, and innovation was encouraged. The service embedded national Green Theatre sustainability initiatives and encouraged collaboration and problem solving through SWARM meetings.
The hospital had higher transfer‑out rates than similar hospitals. The service reviewed this performance, shared learning to identify improvements, and had taken action to address this.
The service had clear admission criteria, strengthened pre‑assessment processes, and completed theatre safety checks.
People's experience of this service
We reviewed patient feedback and found feedback mostly positive, or very positive. Patients were complimentary about the care they had received. They shared that staff made them feel at ease and gave them enough information to enable them to make informed decisions. They were provided with a range of treatment options and felt involved in their care. Patients were able to access the service at a time which was convenient to them.