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 at Garstang Clinic as part of our inspection programme.
Garstang Clinic is a private clinic providing a range of diagnosis and treatment for all ear, nose and throat related disorders. The clinic offers outpatient services for adults and children.
Comment cards were not distributed to the provider prior to the inspection in order to minimise the risks associated with the COVID -19 pandemic. No patients attended the clinic on the day of our inspection.
Our key findings were:
- Systems and processes were in place to keep people safe including the maintenance of the premises, clinical equipment and the management of infection control, medication and clinical waste.
- The provider had made several changes to the premises and the management of patient appointments to control the risks associated with transmission of the Covid-19 virus. This included the installation of perspex screens in-between consulting rooms and a microphone system to enable face to face consultations and audiology testing to take place safely during the pandemic.
- The service had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
- Systems, processes and records had been established to seek consent and to offer coordinated and person-centred care.
- The provider was aware of current evidence-based guidance and they had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out this role.
- Patients were encouraged to provide feedback and systems were in place to act on and learn from any complaints.
- Patients were able to access care and treatment from the clinic within an appropriate timescale for their needs.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.
- Staff had access to ongoing training, supervision and appraisal.
- There were clear responsibilities, roles and systems of accountability to support good governance and management.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
- Continue to undertake clinical audits and with the routine peer review of clinical records.
- Continue to review and update policies and procedures.
- Include the contact details of the mediation and alternative dispute resolution service in the complaint’s procedure, so patients understand how they can escalate any concerns.
- Record individual medicines and expiry dates when undertaking weekly medicine checks.
- Seek feedback from patients on the quality of clinical care they receive.
- Formalise and document the risk assessment completed for the absence of an oxygen cylinder at the clinic.
Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care