Crystal Clear Ear 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 that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first inspection for this provider since its registration with CQC. This key question has been rated as good.

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 provider had a proactive and positive safety culture built on openness and honesty. The provider investigated and reported safety events appropriately. Lessons were learned to help continually identify and embed good practice, and safety remained a clear priority.

The provider had processes in place to report incidents, near misses and safety events. There were systems to record, review and monitor incidents, as well as to gather and act on feedback. The provider also used reflective practice to support their ongoing learning, which further contributed to service improvement.

The provider 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 provider demonstrated clear understanding of the scope of their role and recognised when a person’s care needed to be transferred to other providers, such as their GP. The provider was proactive in providing detailed consultation records as standard to the patients GP and also provided photos to GPs of suspicious lesions found during examination and encouraged the patient to follow these up.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve this. The provider 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 provider worked with people to understand and manage risks in a holistic way. Care was tailored to clients’ needs and delivered in a safe and supportive manner. People were informed about the risks associated with their condition and treatment and were given clear guidance on what to do if they experienced any unexpected symptoms or side effects. Comprehensive aftercare information was also provided to help minimise risks, and a detailed assessment was undertaken prior to treatment starting, and at intervals thereafter.

The premises consisted of a small waiting and reception area and a clinical area. Effective arrangements were in place to ensure the environment was well maintained and kept clean, supported by appropriate health and safety risk assessments. A business continuity plan was also in place and was regularly monitored and reviewed.

The provider identified and managed potential risks within the care environment. Equipment, facilities and technology were used appropriately to support the safe delivery of care.

The provider was able to demonstrate how they kept their own competencies and practice up to date with the latest guidance through training, networking events and engaging with other practitioners. Appropriate recruitment procedures had been followed for the recent appointment of an additional member of staff. There had been a comprehensive induction process including clinical supervision, check ins and consultation audits. The new member of staff gave a reflective account which highlighted a very positive transition into their role.

The provider had an infection, prevention and control policy in place. The provider carried out regular checks to ensure the cleanliness of the clinic. Appropriate personal protective equipment was available for use during consultations. Hand hygiene audits had been carried out. The practitioner stored clinical waste safely and had arrangements in place to ensure it was disposed of appropriately.

As a private ear treatment clinic, no medicines were carried or prescribed by this provider. A medicines management policy was in place to cover the safe procurement and use of olive oil spray, a non-prescription item sometimes used to soften ear wax prior to some procedures.