Ear Wax Removal Bromsgrove Clinic

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We looked for evidence people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. This was the first inspection for this service since its registration with CQC. This key question has been rated as good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The service had a strong proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and complete honesty. The practitioner actively listened to concerns about safety and thoroughly investigated these. Lessons were always learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. The practitioner used and recorded reflective practice to support their learning which improved care for others.

The practitioner worked collaboratively with individuals and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, ensuring safety was consistently monitored and effectively managed. They promoted continuity of care, including during transitions between different services. The practitioner demonstrated clear understanding of the scope of their role and recognised when a person’s care needed to be transferred to other services, such as their GP.

The service worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve this. The service shared concerns quickly and appropriately. The practitioner had a safeguarding policy in place and had received relevant training to ensure they could keep people safe. They knew how to report a concern and when it was appropriate to do so.

The practitioner worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. They provided care to meet clients’ needs which was safe and supportive. The practitioner advised people on the risks related to their condition and treatment. They gave people a follow up card, so they knew what to do if they experienced any unexpected symptoms or side effects. The practitioner gave clear aftercare guidance to minimise the risks for people.

The practitioner detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. The practitioner used single disposable items where possible and had a strict cleaning policy for equipment which was not single use. All equipment was tested for electrical safety and regularly calibrated to ensure it was accurate when used.

Ear Wax Removal Bromsgrove Clinic was a small independent health service which provided ear micro suction and irrigation. They did not employ staff; however, the practitioner was able to demonstrate how they kept their own competencies and good practice up to date with the latest guidance through training, attending conferences and engaging with other ear wax removal practitioners.

The service had an infection, prevention and control policy in place. The practitioner carried out regular checks to ensure the cleanliness of the clinic. People who gave feedback to CQC told us they found the premises to always be clean, tidy and fit for the purpose intended when they attended appointments. The practitioner used appropriate personal protective equipment including aprons and gloves during consultations. The practitioner stored clinical waste safely and had a contract in place for this to be disposed of.

The practitioner ensured medicines and treatments were safe and appropriate for people’s needs, capacities, and preferences. They involved people in discussions about which products to use to soften ear wax before appointments, which helped make the treatment easier. The practitioner kept a small number of oil-based products in the clinic, suitable for people to take away and use if needed. These were stored safely. No other medicines were stored or used on site.