The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • Independent doctor

Archived: Garstang Clinic

14 High Street, Garstang, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1FA

Provided and run by:
Garstang Clinic Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

8 August 2013

During a routine inspection

We saw that the provider requested feedback from patients about their experience. One patient had commented "more patients should come to this clinic rather than hospital" and another said "lovely clean warm place". The clinic was staffed during opening hours by the practice manager and receptionist. The consultants that held clinics on the premises were not based there and were only on site during their clinic hours. There were no clinics running at the time of our inspection and so we did not speak with any patients.

The provider did not accept 'walk in' patients. Consultations at the clinic were arranged in the NHS through GPs using the 'choose and book' system or privately. We found that the provider worked in cooperation with the local NHS Foundation Trust.

The clinic was well maintained and furnished throughout. It appeared clean and tidy. We saw that the provider carried out a number of audits in relation to the safety and suitability of the premises.

The provider had a recruitment procedure in place which included a prompt list of checks and actions to be carried out during recruitment of staff. This had not been used for some time as staff working at the clinic had been employed there for several years.

We saw that there was a complaints policy in place. The provider may wish to consider whether it was sufficiently well publicised.

13 November 2012

During a routine inspection

Patients told us that the clinic was a good local resource that offered them a local facility in a rural village without having to travel to Blackpool, Lancaster or Preston.

Patients told us they did not have to wait too long for a first appointment or follow up appointment at the clinic. People told us they were aware that they would have to wait the expected waiting time of eighteen weeks before they were treated and that this information was made clear to them at their first consultation.

Patients told us that their diagnosis and treatment was discussed with them at their first and second consultations and they were then referred onto an NHS hospital for treatment. Patients said that their consultations met their expectations and the consultant was thorough in their gathering of information about their presenting and associated medical conditions. Patients said that the consultant explained their findings clearly to them as well as what the next steps in the diagnosis or treatment of their condition would be.

Patients said they found the staff at the clinic polite, professional and helpful.