Queen's Medical Centre

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 professionals was very positive about the service received from the SARC. 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.

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 patients which was extremely positive. Professionals had also shared positive experiences from working with the SARC.

Children and young people could review information about the SARC in a child friendly format prior to their visit, and age appropriate literature was available to help children understand the process when at the SARC.

Although sited in a busy hospital, access to the SARC was discreet and an aquatic theme had been designed by children which ran throughout the facilities and provided a talking point and distraction for patients. Inside the SARC there was a dividing corridor between patient and staff areas to maintain privacy for patients.

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, and there were a number of thoughtful touches to make the environment as relaxing and warm as possible such as drinks, snacks, televisions and murals.

Staff demonstrated passion for working with the children individually to understand their needs and adapt their communication style to engage with their patients in a supportive and meaningful way. Ceiling murals helped provide a welcome distraction for children during examinations, and a selection of handmade blankets were available for patients to choose from and take away with them.

Privacy curtains were available for use during examinations to ensure patient dignity was maintained, 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 any adults or professionals detailing support services following their attendance at the SARC. Staff carried out welfare calls with patients within 2 weeks to offer any additional support and ensure they had received the correct referrals.

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.