- Independent hospital
Clifton Park Hospital Limited
Assessment report published 10 January 2026
Contents
Ratings - Diagnostic and screening services
Our view of the service
We assessed the diagnostics service as part of a comprehensive hospital location assessment on 30 September and 1 October 2025. This was in response to a never event within surgery.
We spoke to eight members of staff both clinical and non-clinical. The staff were all very positive about working for the service and the hospital overall.
The department worked well with other departments. Leads had taken opportunities to develop their service to meet the needs of the local population.
The service met Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) 2017. These govern the use of ionising radiation in medical settings to ensure patient safety and compliance with safety standards.
Overall Rating: Good
Our view of the service
Safe:
The service had a good learning culture and information was shared across all departments and staff. People were protected and staff understood how to safeguard people. Staff could raise concerns and were listened to. Learning was shared throughout the organisation and across the wider hospital group.
The facilities and equipment were clean, well-maintained and met the needs of people. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications, and experience. Staff had appraisals and could access training. This enabled them to meet the ongoing requirements of their patient group.
Effective:
Staff involved service users when assessing their needs. They reviewed assessments, taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Multidisciplinary team healthcare professionals reviewed patients to ensure they could receive their treatment. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment, which enabled them to give informed consent.
Caring:
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated people as individuals and supported their preferences. Staff were welcoming and approached people in a caring way. The service supported staff health and wellbeing through ongoing activities and a wellbeing online platform.
Responsive:
People were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information people could understand. The service sought feedback from people and acted on it. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. People received fair and equal care and treatment.
Well-led:
Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable, and supportive. Staff were given opportunities to develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback through both leaders and freedom to speak up mechanisms. There was good governance in place which provided assurance on risk and the patient experience. The culture embraced new ideas and encouraged staff contribution.
People's experience of this service
People were positive about the staff treating them with warmth and kindness and provided effective care and treatment. They told us their care and treatment was person-centred, individual to them and met with their needs and preferences. They said they received appointments quickly and staff were polite and professional, their treatment was explained, and they understood the plan of care.