Nuffield Health - Farnham Also known as Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre Farnham

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first rated inspection for this service. At our last inspection in July 2018, we found the provider was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations. This key question has been rated as good.

This service scored 75 (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 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.

Managers encouraged staff to raise concerns when things went wrong. Staff felt there was an open culture, and that safety was a top priority. The provider had processes for staff to report incidents, near misses and safety events. There was a system to record and investigate complaints, and when things went wrong, staff apologised and gave people support. Learning from incidents and complaints resulted in changes that improved care for others.

The service worked with people to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. Referrals and test results were managed in a timely way.

All staff received up-to-date training in safeguarding appropriate to their role. Safeguarding policies were in place and known to staff. They knew how to identify and report concerns. Information in the consultation rooms advised people that staff were available to act as chaperones. Staff who acted as chaperones were trained for the role and had received a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The provider carried out staff checks at the time of recruitment and on an ongoing basis. (DBS checks identify whether a person has a criminal record or is on an official list of people barred from working in roles where they may have contact with children or adults who may be vulnerable). The service did not provide services for children and young people under the age of 18 years.

People completed a full health assessment questionnaire before attending their assessments. Assessments included areas such as checking for diabetes, heart health, nutrition, and postural health. Most assessment results were available during the assessment and could be discussed in full with the person present. We found the electronic record system was only accessible for staff with delegated authority which protected confidentiality. Referrals could be made where necessary either to specialists within Nuffield Health or with the persons own GP. Referral letters included all the necessary information. We reviewed an anonymised report and found it contained relevant information recorded in a clear and structured manner.

The service detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. All electrical equipment was checked to ensure it was safe to use and clinical equipment was checked to ensure it was working properly.

Health and safety risk assessments and audits had been undertaken and risks identified had been addressed. There was a business continuity plan in place which was monitored and reviewed.

The service made sure there were enough qualified, skilled, and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision, and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

There were a range of clinical and non-clinical roles. The provider had an induction programme for all newly appointed staff. We found training was up to date, learning needs and development of staff was managed appropriately, and staff were working within their agreed areas of competence. Staff were encouraged and given opportunities to develop. Safe recruitment practices were followed.

The service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading. All staff had had relevant training. Cleaning schedules were in place and followed. Risk assessments and audits were completed, and actions taken to mitigate risks.

No medicines were stored on the premises except for emergency medicines. Staff regularly checked the stock levels and expiry dates for emergency medicines. Staff stored medical gases, such as oxygen, safely and completed required safety risk assessments. The service had effective systems to manage and respond to safety alerts. All pathology results were reviewed by the attending doctor and an accredited biomedical scientist, when required, with follow-up action appropriately taken.