Hull Royal Infirmary

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

We assessed 1 quality statement under the caring key question. Feedback from patients and responsible adults was extremely positive. The environment and approach were designed to support comfort and dignity, with flexible examination options, discreet access, clear communication, and secure handling of intimate images. Patients and responsible adults were given information about support services, and most received follow‑up care.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

Although we could not speak with patients directly, we reviewed feedback that had been gathered by the service from 10 children, young people and responsible adults that had attended the service in 2026. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with descriptions such as ‘we had an amazing experience,’ ‘child focussed and worked at the child’s pace’ and ‘Spoke to my child as a person.’ Staff were described as brilliant, kind, and caring.

Before visiting the service, children and young people could watch a helpful video on the Trust’s website which outlined what to expect when they attended. In addition, a leaflet was available for staff to share with patients and responsible adults prior to their appointment.

Children and young people were always welcomed by one of the nurses when they arrived who took time to explain how the service worked and their role in supporting them throughout their visit. Toys were available in the waiting area to help keep children occupied whilst they waited, staff acknowledged that there was a need to improve and make the waiting area feel less clinical.

Staff shared with us how they adjusted their communication style, language, and tone to help them engage with patients in a supportive and meaningful way. Staff stressed the importance of taking time with patients to build a rapport and explain step by step what was happening now and next. Staff used toys and books to distract patients during the examination.

The consultant told us that they could modify their examination if it was clear the child or young person was becoming distressed, and that some could be offered the option of self-swabbing.

Although sited in a busy hospital, access to the SARC was discreet and only one child or young person and their family attended at a time.

A privacy screen was available for use during examinations, this always maintained patient dignity, particularly when accompanied by a responsible adult. A clear process was in place to ensure intimate images taken during the examination process were managed securely and confidentially.

Information was available to patients and their responsible adult detailing a range of counselling and support services that could be contacted following attendance at the SARC.

Most patients received a follow up call and/or appointment within 2 weeks; this enabled staff to check in regarding the welfare of patients and ensure follow up care was in place where needed.

The judgement for Treating people as individuals is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Independence, choice and control is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Responding to people’s immediate needs is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Workforce wellbeing and enablement is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.