ACES (Cromwell Road)

Updated 19 December 2024

ACES (Cromwell Road) is an independent healthcare provider located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire and is operated by Anglia Community Eye Service Limited. ACES (Cromwell Road) provide independent ophthalmic services including surgery, outpatients and diagnostic imaging for adults and treats private and NHS patients. We conducted a planned unannounced on-site assessment of surgery services on 11 September 2024, following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Single Assessment Framework (SAF). We assessed 9 quality statements against the safe, effective, responsive, and well-led key questions and have combined the scores for these areas with scores from the previous inspection. The overall rating for the location remained the same. We rated this location as good. At this assessment we found staff provided good care and treatment to patients with a strong focus on good outcomes.

Updated 28 May 2024

We carried out this assessment due to the age of the service rating and in response to a concern raised with us. We inspected 9 quality statements across the safe, effective, responsive, and well-led key questions and have combined the scores for these areas with scores from the previous inspection to give the rating. There was a good safety culture where events were investigated, and learning was embedded to promote good practice. The service involved external stakeholders in incident investigations where appropriate and maintained records of incidents submitted to the Care Quality Commission. Leaders used a safeguarding training matrix to ensure staff were trained to the appropriate level. Staff we spoke with understood how to report safeguarding concerns, the service had a safeguarding lead and appropriate policies and processes in place to manage safeguarding concerns. People were given information and support to help them understand the risks involved in treatment, and staff recorded any additional needs to reduce risk. The environment was safe and well maintained. The service used safe and innovative security systems to restrict access, maintain and secure equipment and the environment. However, the service did not always have safe systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Although some immediate actions were taken when concerns were raised on our onsite assessment, we have requested the service provide an action plan to address how and when they will make improvements to sustain change.

Updated 12 December 2017

We rated outpatients as good. This was because the service was safe, effective, caring responsive and well-led.

We found:

Incident reporting processes were robust. Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to the identification, reporting and escalation of incidents and safeguarding concerns.

The service had effective infection prevention and control processes. All areas within the outpatient areas were visibly clean.

The outpatient service had adequate nursing and medical staffing in place to meet the patients’ needs.

Medical records were complete, legible and up-to-date.

The outpatient service demonstrated effective multidisciplinary working as part of a team. During our inspection we saw effective communication taking place between staff in the outpatient department.

Patient feedback was consistently positive. Patients felt cared for, supported and respected.

Patients were able to access the outpatient service in a timely manner. The service was meeting the demands of the local community.