Private Medical Clinic

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 looked for evidence that the service involved people and treated them with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
This is the first inspection for this service since its registration with CQC. This key question has been rated as good.
 

This service scored 70 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The service always treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion but did not always protect their privacy and dignity. We found some clinic rooms did not have privacy curtains. The provider told us that they were not required as the door had a lock. However, in order to provide privacy whilst patients undress curtains are required. The provider subsequently purchased privacy screens for the affected locations. Chaperones were available and at some sites staff employed by the landlord of the premises rather than the provider acted as chaperones. The provider did not have oversight of the DBS checks and training of these staff to assure themselves they were safe and competent in the role of chaperone. Feedback we received showed that people felt listened to and were treated with kindness. Staff we spoke with understood Gillick competency and consent, but this was not always documented in patient records.

The service treated people as individuals and made sure people’s care, support and treatment met people’s needs and preferences. They took account of people’s culture, unique backgrounds and protected characteristics. People’s communication needs were met to enable them to be fully involved in their care.

The service promoted people’s independence, so people knew their rights and had choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing. Staff signposted patients and their carers to external services both private and within the NHS. Staff were able to offer a free telephone follow up to patients for whom cost was a barrier to completing an episode of care. The provider had some complaints that their pricing information was not clear at the point of booking. Work had been undertaken to train reception staff to clearly explain when additional costs may be incurred for example supplying a fit note.

The service listened to and understood people’s needs, views and wishes. Staff responded to people’s needs in the moment and acted to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.
Reception staff were trained in basic triage and had access to a qualified GP at all times if they required support. They had clear information regarding the scope of practice of each healthcare professional and ensured people were booked with the most appropriate clinician. Staff we spoke with could identify when emergency support was needed for example, possible sepsis and could refer or signpost people appropriately.
 

The service always cared about and promoted the wellbeing of their staff and was supported staff to always deliver person-centred care. A staff survey completed in December 2025 showed that overall staff satisfaction rated 9.4/10 and 100% of the 15 staff who responded would recommend the provider as an employer. Staff reported that communication was effective and meetings occurred regularly which maintained team cohesion despite the geographical spread of locations. All staff had annual appraisals which identified any learning needs or career development opportunities. The provider was supporting 2 staff to complete advanced clinical practice qualifications and had provided support and training for staff who had potential to develop into leadership roles. Staff told us they were valued by leaders. Leaders had taken steps to recognise and meet the wellbeing needs of staff, which included the necessary resources and facilities for safe working, such as regular breaks and rest areas. Staff reported being supported if they were struggling at work.