Thomas Linacre Centre

As part of the comprehensive assessment of the Thomas Linacre Centre, we inspected diagnostic imaging at the location on 6 and 7 January 2026. Diagnostic imaging mainly comprises the breast screening unit, which runs the South Lancashire Breast Screening Service as well as additional imaging for symptomatic patients referred separately into the service. Breast screening occurs both at the location and in 3 mobile breast screening units which routinely move sites across the service’s catchment area and work in conjunction with the outpatient breast service. Some breast screening also occurs at other fixed locations owned by the provider trust and is not within the scope of this assessment.

Diagnostic imaging at this location also comprises a suite where other imaging is performed, which includes 2 general (plain film) X-ray, 2 ultrasound machines and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner. This equipment is staffed and managed as part of the trust’s wider diagnostic imaging provision and is separate from the breast screening service. Where applicable in the report, this area of activity is referred to as ‘other imaging services’ at the location.

We noted that some obstetric ultrasound also occurred in the antenatal suite at the location. While we inspected the premises and spoke to some staff from this area, ratings in this case are determined by the maternity assessment as part of the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary location.

We rated diagnostic imaging as good. Staff understood the community they served, were focused on providing the best possible care for patients and were well qualified and experienced to deliver the activity. Both the breast imaging service and other imaging services audited their activity to ensure effectiveness and learned from their findings.

However, the breast screening service could not always evidence that radiologist staffing was sufficient to consistently meet the needs of patients requiring breast scans, which meant that diagnostic and treatment times for some patients was a historical and ongoing concern.

As part of the comprehensive assessment of the Thomas Linacre Centre, we inspected diagnostic imaging at the location on 6 and 7 January 2026. Diagnostic imaging mainly comprises the breast screening unit, which runs the South Lancashire Breast Screening Service as well as additional imaging for symptomatic patients referred separately into the service. Breast screening occurs both at the location and in 3 mobile breast screening units which routinely move sites across the service’s catchment area and work in conjunction with the outpatient breast service. Some breast screening also occurs at other fixed locations owned by the provider trust and is not within the scope of this assessment.

Diagnostic imaging at this location also comprises a suite where other imaging is performed, which includes 2 general (plain film) X-ray, 2 ultrasound machines and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner. This equipment is staffed and managed as part of the trust’s wider diagnostic imaging provision and is separate from the breast screening service. Where applicable in the report, this area of activity is referred to as ‘other imaging services’ at the location.

We noted that some obstetric ultrasound also occurred in the antenatal suite at the location. While we inspected the premises and spoke to some staff from this area, ratings in this case are determined by the maternity assessment as part of the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary location.

We rated diagnostic imaging as good. Staff understood the community they served, were focused on providing the best possible care for patients and were well qualified and experienced to deliver the activity. Both the breast imaging service and other imaging services audited their activity to ensure effectiveness and learned from their findings.

However, the breast screening service could not always evidence that radiologist staffing was sufficient to consistently meet the needs of patients requiring breast scans, which meant that diagnostic and treatment times for some patients was a historical and ongoing concern.

As part of the comprehensive assessment of the Thomas Linacre Centre, we inspected outpatients at the location on 6 and 7 January 2026. Outpatients comprise the main regulated service, although works in conjunction with the diagnostic imaging services at the location, particularly through the activity of its breast service.

Outpatients is organised into various suites that each host a number of medical specialisms which include breast, colorectal, respiratory, cardiology, urology and ear, nose and throat (ENT), amongst others. As such, the location is attended by medical staff on a visiting basis only, but nursing, allied health professionals and ancillary staff generally have a permanent base at the service.

Outpatients also comprise a suite dedicated to children and young people’s clinics and an antenatal suite. We inspected the premises and spoke to some staff from these areas, but ratings in these cases are determined by the services for children and young people and maternity assessments as part of the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary location.

We rated outpatients as good. The service ensured staff had the information needed to deliver safe care and had a proactive safety culture. Care was provided by competent and compassionate staff who continually assessed their performance to improve outcomes.

However, the adult outpatients service lacked clear local or divisional strategic objectives and leaders were not always sufficiently accessible or engaged with staff, which had affected culture and morale. Business continuity plans did not sufficiently consider the risks and mitigations of long-term absences of senior adult outpatients staff. There was also insufficient governance of medical devices at the location, meaning some equipment had significantly exceeded its intended service date.

Because of the concerns above relating to governance, the service was in breach of regulations. An action plan will be requested upon publication of the final report.

As part of the comprehensive assessment of the Thomas Linacre Centre, we inspected outpatients at the location on 6 and 7 January 2026. Outpatients comprise the main regulated service, although works in conjunction with the diagnostic imaging services at the location, particularly through the activity of its breast service.

Outpatients is organised into various suites that each host a number of medical specialisms which include breast, colorectal, respiratory, cardiology, urology and ear, nose and throat (ENT), amongst others. As such, the location is attended by medical staff on a visiting basis only, but nursing, allied health professionals and ancillary staff generally have a permanent base at the service.

Outpatients also comprise a suite dedicated to children and young people’s clinics and an antenatal suite. We inspected the premises and spoke to some staff from these areas, but ratings in these cases are determined by the services for children and young people and maternity assessments as part of the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary location.

We rated outpatients as good. The service ensured staff had the information needed to deliver safe care and had a proactive safety culture. Care was provided by competent and compassionate staff who continually assessed their performance to improve outcomes.

However, the adult outpatients service lacked clear local or divisional strategic objectives and leaders were not always sufficiently accessible or engaged with staff, which had affected culture and morale. Business continuity plans did not sufficiently consider the risks and mitigations of long-term absences of senior adult outpatients staff. There was also insufficient governance of medical devices at the location, meaning some equipment had significantly exceeded its intended service date.

Because of the concerns above relating to governance, the service was in breach of regulations. An action plan will be requested upon publication of the final report.