Hackenthorpe Lodge 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. Patients were treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Staff protected patients’ privacy and were aware of the importance of confidentiality.

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

Although we were not able to speak with patients directly, we reviewed the feedback results from 20 patient responses in the previous 3 months to our inspection. Patients were positive about all aspects of the service provided and stated they were made to feel welcomed, safe and comfortable during their visit, and that they had left feeling better than when they arrived.

Patients attending the SARC were always welcomed personally by the crisis worker at the door, who took time to explain how the service worked and their role in supporting them throughout their visit. The crisis worker we spoke with told us of the importance of making patients feel empowered and of being a strong advocate for them, especially if patients decided not to go ahead with a forensic examination or reporting the assault to the police.

Staff gave us examples of where they had provided caring support to patients. One nurse told us they had conducted the follow up welfare call to a young patient, even though it was their day off, as they had developed such a good rapport with them. Staff told us about the additional support and advocacy they had provided for a hearing impaired patient to ensure their communication needs were fully met.

The premises had several entrances which led to self-contained areas, meaning that patients did not see any other users of the building. There were private meeting/interview rooms and 2 dedicated forensic examination areas, although only one was ever used at a time to help maintain privacy and reduce DNA contamination risk. A small kitchen was available, and staff were able to offer food and drinks to patients.

Patients’ privacy and dignity were maintained throughout their medical examinations, and a portable screen was available if needed to shield the examination couch. Windows in the examination room were screened to prevent passersby looking in. A bathroom was attached to each examination room allowing patients to shower and change after their examination and they were given a care bag containing toiletries which they could use and take away.

A clear process was in place to ensure patient intimate images taken during the examination process were managed securely and confidentially.

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.