Sk:n - Liverpool

This service is rated as Good overall.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? – Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Sk:n – Liverpool as part of our inspection programme. The service has been previously inspected by CQC on 15 November 2013 but at this time the service was not rated. The inspection was planned to check whether the service was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Sk:n - Liverpool is registered with CQC to provide surgical procedures and treatment of disease, disorder or injury. At the time of the inspection treatments being provided that required CQC registration included independent doctor-led dermatology services, a mix of skin treatments and minor surgical procedures. Sk:n - Liverpool also provided a range of non-surgical cosmetic interventions, for example anti-ageing injections and dermal fillers which are not within CQC scope of registration. Therefore, we did not inspect or report on these services.

The staff team is comprised of a nurse clinic manager, supported by aesthetic practitioners who all provide only non-regulated aesthetic treatments. Doctors who specialise in dermatology, provide dermatology consultations and treatments at the clinic subject to client’s individual needs and appointment bookings. Staff are supported by the provider’s regional and national management and governance teams.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had clear systems, practices and processes to keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse.
• Recruitment checks were carried out in accordance with regulations (including for agency staff and locums).
• Arrangements for identifying, recording and managing risks, issues and mitigating actions were in place. There were appropriate arrangements to manage medical emergencies and the clinic had suitable emergency medicines and equipment in place.
• Patients’ needs were assessed, and care and treatment were delivered in line with current legislation, standards and evidence-based guidance.
• Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care, support and treatment.
• Patients were treated with respect and staff were kind, caring and involved them in decisions about their care.
• Patients were able to access care and treatment from the clinic within an appropriate timescale for their needs.
• There was a complaints procedure in place and information on how to complain was readily available.
• There were effective systems and processes to manage infection, prevention and control.
• There was evidence of clinical and non-clinical audits.
• The service had systems in place to collect and analyse feedback from patients.
• Patient feedback we viewed was positive about the overall service.
• The way the service was led and managed, promoted the delivery of a high-quality service
• The provider was knowledgeable about issues and priorities relating to the quality and future of services. They understood the challenges and were addressing them.
• There were clear responsibilities, roles and systems of accountability to support good governance and management.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• The provider should continue to monitor the patient consultation records to ensure the right level of detail is recorded for each patient assessment and appointment.

Dr Sean O’Kelly BSc MB ChB MSc DCH FRCA

Chief Inspector of Hospitals and Interim Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services