Herts 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.

The provider’s website and written materials contained a clear message of patient respect, dignity, compassion, and confidentiality.

Although we could not speak with patients directly, we reviewed a sample of patient feedback forms. Patients consistently spoke of caring and supportive staff who took time to explain processes well. One parent stated that staff had been ‘brilliant’ dealing with their daughter’s additional needs, and another that everything had been done slowly and at their child’s own pace, making the experience comfortable and relaxed.

Patients attending the SARC were always welcomed personally by the crisis worker at the door, who explained how the service worked and their role in supporting them throughout their visit. The crisis worker told us they worked hard at establishing a relationship with the patient based on trust and respect.

The SARC had a specific paediatric room that had a colourful mural on the wall to make environment appear less clinical. Books, toys, and a games console were available in this room to keep children occupied while they waited. Hot and cold drinks were available for patients as well as snacks.

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, and a separate area where patients could undress in private. A portable privacy screen was available if needed to shield the examination couch. A bathroom was available 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. Children were given a buddy bag containing age-appropriate items such as pyjamas, teddy bears or reading books.

Patient paper records were held securely in locked fireproof filing cabinets. A clear process was in place to ensure patient intimate images taken during the examination process were managed securely and confidentially.

Staff gave us practical examples of where they had provided caring support to patients. For example, letting patients have their mobile phones with them during the examination, complimenting them on their tattoos, and taking time to play with the child. A staff member told us of the additional work they had undertaken to ensure one patient received mental health support following their visit to the SARC.

All patients who attended the SARC received a phone call following their visit so that staff could check on their welfare and offer additional support if needed. Following their visit, patients were given an information leaflet outlining a range of counselling and support services that could be contacted.

Forensic samples could be kept for up to 2 years for those patients that self-referred to the service, allowing them time to consider if they wanted to take action against a suspect at a future date.

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.