The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated a specialist eye hospital in Bromley outstanding, following an inspection undertaken in August.
CQC carried out the unannounced inspection of SpaMedica Bromley because the service was newly registered and had not been inspected before.
The hospital primarily offers day-case cataract surgery, under contract for the NHS.
Inspectors found the service was providing exceptional care that ensured people’s safety and met their needs.
In addition to being rated outstanding overall, the service was rated outstanding for being caring and responsive to people’s needs. It was rated good for being safe, effective and well-led.
Nicola Wise, CQC head of hospital inspection, said:
“I was very impressed by the quality of care and treatment at SpaMedica Bromley.
“Staff consistently treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took careful account of their individual needs.
“We also found people received care and treatment very promptly and well within national target times because appointment lists were managed very effectively.
“Staff received appropriate training and the premises and equipment were maintained to high standards – all of which enhanced care people received.
“Behind the service’s success was management that had good oversight of the issues it faced. They set the right priorities and responded well to risks which could affect patient care.
“I congratulate everyone at the service for achieving this outstanding rating.”
The inspection found:
- The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills and understood how to protect patients from abuse
- Infection risk was well controlled. Staff also assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good treatment records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them. Senior managers collected safety information from multiple locations and used it to improve the service
- Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and ensured staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and had access to good information
- People could access the service when they needed it. Services at the location were available five days a week with patient enquiries and emergency backup provided regionally 24 hours a day. The service engaged well with patients and received good feedback
- Staff provided very good care and treatment, gave patients enough to eat and drink and gave them pain relief when they needed it. Staff advised patients on how to lead healthier lives and supported them to make decisions about their care
- The service took account of patients’ individual needs and made it easy for people to give feedback
- Leaders ran used reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills
- Staff understood the service’s vision and values and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were very clear about their roles and accountabilities.