- Independent hospital
Clifton Park Hospital Limited
Assessment report published 10 January 2026
Contents
Ratings - Surgery
Our view of the service
Clifton Park Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, underwent its last surgical assessment on 1 February 2022, achieving a good rating. The hospital provides a wide range of surgical services, including hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder replacements, cruciate ligament repairs, specialist sports injury surgery, shoulder and elbow procedures, hand surgery, mid, fore, and hind foot procedures, arthroscopies, plastic surgery, and diagnostic interventions.
In 2024, the service reported five never events, which are serious patient safety incidents that are wholly preventable under national guidance. Each incident was investigated thoroughly, resulting in recommendations that have since been implemented. The provider confirmed that monitoring of current practices was ongoing to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence.
From 30 September to 1 October 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out a responsive assessment of the 34 quality statements for surgery. Inspectors found patient areas to be safe, clean, well-equipped, well-furnished, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. Staff demonstrated strong risk management practices for both patients and themselves and showed clear understanding of safeguarding procedures, working effectively with other agencies to protect patients from abuse. Medicines management was robust, with systems in place for safe prescribing, administration, recording, and storage. Patient safety incidents were managed appropriately, with learning embedded into practice.
The assessment confirmed that care was person-centred, with needs and protected equality characteristics considered throughout treatment planning. Leaders fostered a culture of continuous improvement, using outcome data and best practice to drive quality. Patient feedback indicated consistently positive experiences, with care delivered with kindness, empathy, and respect for privacy and dignity. Inspectors found evidence that patients’ wishes were considered, and choices respected, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Access to care was equitable and tailored to individual circumstances, with services designed to meet the needs of people and communities. The hospital demonstrated an inclusive and positive culture of learning and improvement, supported by proactive leadership. Collaboration with partners ensured care was safe, integrated, person-centred, and sustainable, with a focus on reducing health inequalities.
People's experience of this service
Clifton Park Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, continues to deliver high-quality surgical and inpatient care. During the most recent responsive assessment of surgical services (30 September – 1 October 2025), inspectors found strong evidence of patient-centred care and positive experiences throughout the patient pathway.
Patients reported feeling involved in decision-making and confirmed they were encouraged to ask questions at every stage of their treatment. Inpatients expressed satisfaction with dietary options and confirmed they had access to sufficient fluids when requested. The hospital environment was described as visibly clean, and clinical staff were observed adhering to infection prevention protocols, including handwashing and use of hand gel prior to patient contact. Inpatients also confirmed that staff responded promptly to call bells, ensuring timely support.
Feedback from the NHS Friends and Family Test reflected high levels of patient satisfaction across day case, NHS inpatient, and private patient categories, with ratings consistently marked as good or very good. Survey themes from April, July, and August 2025 highlighted that staff were consistently kind, respectful, and compassionate, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to delivering care with dignity and empathy.
These findings align with the hospital’s overall culture of improvement and patient-centred care, supported by strong leadership and robust systems for safety and quality monitoring.