The Bridgeway SARC

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

We assessed 1 quality statement under the caring key question. Feedback from patients was extremely positive. The environment and staff approach supported comfort and dignity, with flexible examination options, discreet access, clear communication, and secure handling of intimate images. Patients were given information about support services and follow‑up care.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

Although we could not speak with patients directly, we reviewed feedback that had been gathered by the service in the 12 months before this inspection. The service received 46 feedback forms from children, young people, adults and professionals that had attended the service. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with descriptions such as ‘staff went above and beyond,’ ‘I felt safe’ and ‘I knew I could stop the exam and say no at any time.’ Staff were described as exceptional, kind, caring and supportive.

On arrival at the SARC patients were greeted by a crisis worker, who took time to explain their role, the processes, options and procedures to be completed and collected general information from the patient. The waiting area was stark; windows were frosted and PPE secured on the wall. There were limited resources to keep young children occupied whilst they waited. Some information leaflets were available regarding mental health and domestic violence.

Staff shared with us how they adjusted their communication style, language, and tone to help them engage with patients in a supportive and meaningful way. Staff stressed the importance of taking time with patients to build a rapport and explain step by step what was happening. Staff gave an example of how they supported an autistic person during their forensic examination. By working at the patients preferred pace, they established that the patient wanted to know what was happening now and next steps; in addition, they did not like touch and did not want their hand holding. Staff used toys and books to distract children and young people during the examination.

Although located on a community hospital site, access to the SARC was discreet and only one patient attended at a time.

Patients’ privacy and confidentiality were maintained by staff throughout their visit. There was a dedicated patient entrance to the SARC that was not open to the public. Patients’ dignity was maintained during examinations by using a portable privacy screen and modesty sheets. A clear process was in place to ensure intimate images taken during the examination process were managed securely and confidentially.

The post examination room included colouring books, toys and games to help keep children occupied. The SARC manager made worry stones, these were simple glazed pottery pieces that children and adults could rub at times of distress, staff reported that these were particularly popular. Hot and cold drinks were available for patients, as well as snacks. A bathroom was available allowing patients to shower and change after their examination.

Each patient received a wellbeing pack prior to leaving the SARC; these included a summary of the patients care and information detailing a range of counselling and support services that could be contacted following attendance at the SARC. Specific information was available for men; those aged over 16 and women and girls. A charity provided washbags that were age and gender specific; these included toiletries, a water bottle and craft items. Children received toys, a blanket, pyjamas or underwear.

Patients received a follow up call, those aged under 18 received this at 3 weeks, over 18 at 6 weeks and those assessed as high risk in relation to mental health, received a call after 48 hours; this enabled staff to check in regarding the welfare of patients and ensure follow up care was in place where needed.

The judgement for Treating people as individuals is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Independence, choice and control is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Responding to people’s immediate needs is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Workforce wellbeing and enablement is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.