We found that that staff were supported by a system of annual appraisal.
We found that the provider had effective arrangements for the receiving, handling and investigation of any complaints received.
At the last inspection, in February 2013, we found Acculabs Diagnostics ' Brighton non-compliant with Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act (HSCA) 2008. This was because appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene had not been maintained. At this current inspection we found that the provider had taken the steps they needed to achieve compliance. We found the regulated activity was carried out in a clean and hygienic environment. A staff member said, 'I think things have improved.' However, we found some aspects of government guidance had not been fully implemented.
We found that equipment used to prepare and analyse samples was well maintained and fit for purpose. A manager said, 'It's not new but it works absolutely brilliantly.'
Staff were not receiving appraisals which would help them know what they had done well and where they needed to improve in order to provide a safe service of an appropriate standard.
We found the provider lacked a clear system for identifying, receiving, handling and responding appropriately to complaints made by people who used the service.
The manager and staff told us they had good working relationships with their customers and had regular contact with them. They told us they met with their regular customers on a monthly basis to discuss issues and check their level of statisfaction with the service provided.
We saw there were robust processes in place to ensure the details of the samples stayed with the samples. We noted that samples were processed and returned to the customer without delay.
We noted that the areas of the laboratories where samples were processed and the equipment used was clean and hygienic. However we found that an acceptable level of cleanliness of the premises had not been maintained. The provider had not ensured that the staff at the laboratory had followed guidance in relation to infection control.
Staff had access to safe and suitable equipment which was well maintained.
Staff were qualified to undertake their roles and told us that they felt the laboratory manager and senior management were supportive.
Systems for monitoring the quality of the services provided had been implemented.