Spire Harpenden Hospital

Updated 5 November 2026

As part of our comprehensive assessment of Spire Harpenden, we inspected medical care and surgical services. Across both services, we found people received care from skilled, compassionate and multidisciplinary teams committed to providing safe, effective and person-centred care.

Staff worked collaboratively to deliver coordinated care and support positive patient outcomes. Services were well organised, with effective systems and processes in place to maintain safety, manage risks, monitor quality and drive continuous improvement. Leaders promoted a positive and inclusive culture, supported staff development and encouraged learning and innovation across the hospital.

We found examples of good practice in both services. Medical care demonstrated a focus on holistic support for chemotherapy patients and improvements to cancer pathways through clinical nurse specialist involvement. Surgical services provided a broad range of procedures across multiple specialties, supported by established pathways, suitable facilities and effective multidisciplinary working to meet patients' needs.

Patients received care in environments designed to support safe and responsive care. Staff were committed to delivering high-quality services and ensuring people were treated with dignity, kindness and respect. Governance processes were effective in overseeing performance, identifying areas for improvement and maintaining the quality and safety of care.

During this assessment, we did not identify any breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and did not need to take any regulatory action. Overall, the evidence showed a well-led hospital where people received high-quality care from skilled and compassionate staff. Strong governance arrangements, effective teamwork and a commitment to learning and continuous improvement supported positive patient experiences and outcomes. The findings from this assessment support the hospital's overall rating of Good.

Updated 8 April 2026

As part of our comprehensive assessment of Spire Harpenden, we inspected the medical services, consisting of chemotherapy and endoscopy, on 2 June 2026.

During the assessment, we spoke with 5 patients, 1 family member and 7 staff, including managers, nurses, healthcare assistants, housekeepers and administrators. 

Staff worked collaboratively to deliver coordinated care and support people to manage their health and wellbeing. The service had effective systems to maintain safety, manage risks and promote learning, and leaders used governance processes to monitor quality and drive improvement.

We found examples of good practice, including holistic support for chemotherapy patients and improvements to cancer pathways through clinical nurse specialist involvement. The service also demonstrated a strong focus on learning, innovation and inclusion. Leaders supported staff development and promoted a positive culture focused on delivering high-quality care.

Overall, people received care from skilled and compassionate staff in a service that was well organised, responsive to people's needs and committed to continuous improvement.

Updated 8 April 2026

We assessed the service using our comprehensive inspection methodology. We carried out an unannounced assessment of surgery services on 2 June 2026 due to the service's aged rating.

Surgical services provided a broad range of procedures across multiple specialties, including orthopaedics, general surgery, colorectal and gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric surgery, urology, gynaecology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), ophthalmology, and vascular surgery. Surgical patients were cared for across 4 wards, which included both inpatient and day-case facilities. The service had 5 operating theatres, including specialist laminar flow theatres used for surgical procedures.

Staff provided surgical services for children and young people (CYP). Patients aged 16 years and over were cared for under the adult pathway.

At the previous inspection, the service was rated good and no breaches of regulations were identified.

At this assessment, we did not identify any breaches of regulations.

Overall, the inspection findings provided evidence that supported the service's rating. A high-level summary of the inspection findings is set out below.

Updated 9 January 2017

Overall, we rated the outpatients and diagnostics service as good for safe, caring, responsive and well-led; effective was inspected but not rated. We found that:

Safety concerns were identified and addressed. Staff were clear with regards to the process to report incidents. Staff were fully aware of the Duty of Candour regulation.

There were good infection control procedures in place and the areas were generally visibly clean and well organised. However, we found some areas did not comply with the Health Building Notes for flooring and sinks in a clinical area.

Records were accessible and completed accurately.

Staffing levels were appropriate for the service provision with minimal vacancies. Staff were suitably qualified and skilled to carry out their roles effectively and in line with best practice.

Patients’ needs were assessed and their care and treatment was delivered following local and national guidance for best practice.

Consent was obtained before care and treatment was given.

Safeguarding systems were in place and staff knew how to respond to safeguarding concerns. However staff employed by the hospital, who were responsible for assessing children’s care in outpatients, did not all have the correct level of safeguarding training. Staff had received Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training.

There were systems to ensure that services were able to meet individual patient needs, for example, for patients living with dementia.

Services were planned and delivered in a way that met the needs of the local population. The importance of flexibility, choice and continuity of care was reflected in the services. Patients could access the right care at the right time.

The imaging department planned and delivered care and treatment in line with current evidence-based guidance, standards and best practice. Staff had the right qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience to do their job.

The learning needs of staff were understood. Staff were supported to participate in training and development.

Multi-disciplinary teams worked well together to provide effective care.

Referrals to treatment times were in line with the national average and appointments could be made easily and quickly if required.

Patients were positive about the way staff treated them in all outpatients and diagnostic areas. They were involved in decisions around their care and treatment and found leaflets informative regarding any potential surgery. Patients were informed about relevant fees for their consultation before they attended their appointment.

Complaint information or how to raise a concern was available for patients. Complaints and concerns were always taken seriously and responded to in a timely manner.

Staff had knowledge regarding the vision for the hospital. There was good staff satisfaction. Staff felt supported and valued. There was a strong culture of team working across the areas we visited.