- Independent hospital
HCA Healthcare UK The Christie Private Care
Assessment report published 27 March 2026
Contents
Ratings - Medical care (Including older people's care)
Our view of the service
We carried out an unannounced assessment on 18, 19 and 20 November 2025 using our comprehensive methodology. We assessed all quality statements from the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions.
HCA Healthcare UK operates 9 private hospitals across the country, including The Christie Private Care (TCPC). HCA Healthcare UK entered into a joint venture with a partner NHS trust in 2009 and is a dedicated private cancer service. The service offers patients comprehensive cancer care pathways and access to supportive care.
TCPC is based within the partner NHS trust.
During our assessment we visited the outpatient suite and day care unit; 2 oncology wards, the haematology transplant unit and radiotherapy department. We spoke with a range of staff, leaders, patients and stakeholders. We looked at patient records, policies and other documents relating to the service.
The service had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. They listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. The service made sure there were always enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff. Patients had extensive access to specialist support from medical and clinical staff.
The service always worked with people and healthcare partners to design, establish and maintain safe systems of care. The service worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically.
The service consistently delivered highly effective care by thoroughly assessing patients health, wellbeing and communication needs and planning treatment in line with legislation and evidence‑based standards. Care was person‑centred and teams worked seamlessly so individuals only needed to tell their story once. The service strongly supported patients to manage their health, maximise independence and live healthier lives. Outcomes were closely monitored, consistently positive and aligned with both clinical expectations and patient goals.
The service was exceptional at treating people with kindness, empathy, and compassion and in how they respected people's privacy and dignity. The service was exceptional in how they listened to and understood people's needs, views and wishes. Staff provided highly personalised care that fully reflected each person’s needs, preferences, strengths, culture and background. Staff responded to people's needs in the moment and acted to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.
The service had a shared vision, strategy and culture based on patient outcomes, patient experience, people and growth. We saw evidence and impact of the strategy in action throughout our assessment. The service was led by capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders with well‑defined responsibilities. There was a strong culture of continuous learning, innovation and improvement.
People's experience of this service
Patients consistently described exceptional experiences of care, telling us they felt fully informed about any risks and how to keep themselves safe, and that staffing levels were always sufficient to meet their needs. They praised the service for being “exceptional”, “first class” and “amazing”, highlighting how staff were caring, welcoming, kind, professional and compassionate.
Many commented that teams had a clear understanding of their medical history and treatment plans before they arrived, which gave them confidence and avoided the need to repeat information. Patients also told us they received prompt, timely treatment without long waits, and that communication was clear throughout their admission, from physical health and emotional wellbeing advice to detailed explanations about discharge arrangements.
Food and nutrition were repeatedly praised, with patients saying their meals were tailored to their needs, specialist dietary requirements were met, and the range of options was excellent. Overall feedback demonstrated that care was consistently coordinated, person‑centred and responsive to individual needs.