Updated 2 September 2019
This service is provided by Courthouse Clinics Body Limited Brentwood which is a private medical clinic located in a converted courthouse in the centre of Brentwood. Courthouse Clinics operate a further ten clinics across the UK.
There is a multi-storey car park opposite the clinic which clients can use. There are two steps into the main entrance, although the premises can also be accessed via a ramped entrance, if required. This service is provided to patients who are 18-years old and over only. Children are not allowed on the premises.
The aspects of the service regulated by CQC include a specific weight loss programme, minor surgical procedures, varicose vein sclerotherapy and botox injections for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Further details about the full range of services provided can be found on the location’s website: www.courthouseclinics.com.
The service provides the regulated activities of: treatment of disease, disorder or injury and diagnostic and screening procedures. At the time of our inspection the provider told us that
they undertook minor surgical procedures. We advised that their current registration with the CQC did not cover the regulated activity surgical procedures for Courthouse Clinics Body Limited Brentwood location. The clinic had carried out one procedure in the previous twelve months and agreed to stop any further activity. Following the inspection, CQC received an application to add the regulated activity, surgical procedures to the Brentwood location.
Before visiting, we reviewed a range of information we hold about the service.
During our visit we:
- Looked at the systems in place for the running of the service. Explored how clinical decisions were made.
- Viewed a sample of key policies and protocols which related to regulated activities.
- We reviewed a sample of patient records to understand how the provider assessed and documented patients care and treatment. We also used this to assess how consent was obtained.
- Spoke with a range of staff involved in the regulated activities.
- Checked the environment and infection control measures.
- Observed staff interactions with patients.
- Reviewed CQC comment cards which included feedback from patients about their experiences of the service.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following five questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions therefore formed the framework for the areas we looked at during the inspection.