Spire Harpenden Hospital

Ratings - Surgery

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

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.

People's experience of this service

We spoke with 4 patients in the service. Patients were positive about staff treating them with warmth and kindness and providing effective care and treatment. Patients with protected characteristics felt supported. Patients confirmed their pain was well managed and they were supported to move around as much as possible after their operation. Patients said the call bells were always answered quickly and they all felt they could get assistance if needed. Patients told us they were given sufficient time to ask questions about their procedure, and staff ensured they understood the procedure they were receiving.