The Whiteley Clinic London

Surgical services provided at this location mainly included vascular surgery performed under local anaesthetic. Treatment was available for the assessment and management of venous ulcers, in conjunction with local anaesthetic surgical treatments. A venous ulcer is a shallow wound that usually develops on the lower leg, specifically above the ankle, due to poor circulation and damaged vein valves.

The service had a good learning culture. Staff and patients could raise concerns, and these were responded to. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly and lessons learned and improvements were identified and shared with staff. Patients were protected and kept safe because staff understood local safeguarding arrangements and safe systems of working.

There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience in all areas to ensure high quality care and treatment. Managers made sure staff received training and had regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care.

Staff managed medicines safely. Staff identified and reacted to unexpected deterioration in a patient’s condition. Staff understood and managed risks from the environment. For example, we reviewed audit records which showed risks were monitored and addressed. We saw the facilities and equipment met the needs of patients and were clean and well-maintained.