The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • Independent doctor

Archived: Lancashire Clinic

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

15 Church Road, Lytham, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 5LH (01253) 796933

Provided and run by:
Mr Ajay Nigam

All Inspections

07 June 2021

During a routine inspection

This service is rated as Good overall.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? – Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive at Lancashire Clinic as part of our inspection programme.

Lancashire Clinic is a private clinic providing a range of diagnosis and treatment for ear, nose and throat related disorders. The clinic offers outpatient services for adults and children.

Comment cards were not distributed to the provider prior to the inspection in order to minimise the risks associated with the COVID- 19 pandemic. No patients attended the clinic on the day of our inspection.

Our key findings were:

  • Systems and processes were in place to keep people safe including the maintenance of the premises, clinical equipment and the management of infection control, medication and clinical waste.
  • The provider had made several changes to the premises and the management of patient appointments to control the risks associated with transmission of the Covid-19 virus. This included the installation of perspex screens in-between consulting rooms and a microphone system to enable face to face consultations and audiology testing to take place safely during the pandemic.The service had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
  • Systems, processes and records had been established to seek consent and to offer coordinated and person-centred care.
  • The provider was aware of current evidence-based guidance and they had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out this role.
  • Patients were encouraged to provide feedback and systems were in place to act on and learn from any complaints.
  • Patients were able to access care and treatment from the clinic within an appropriate timescale for their needs.
  • There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management
  • Staff had access to ongoing training, supervision and appraisal.
  • There were clear responsibilities, roles and systems of accountability to support good governance and management.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

  • Continue to undertake clinical audits and with the routine peer review of clinical records.
  • Continue to review and update policies and procedures.
  • Include the contact details of the mediation and alternative dispute resolution service in the complaint’s procedure, so patients understand how they can escalate any concerns.
  • Record individual medicines and expiry dates when undertaking weekly medicine checks.
  • Routinely seek feedback from patients on the quality of clinical care they receive.
  • Formalise and document the risk assessment completed for the absence of an oxygen cylinder and defibrillator at the clinic.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

We asked the provider to produce evidence of what action had been taken to meet regulation 16 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2009.

The provider supplied the Commission evidence of maintenance and service certificate for an x-ray machine used at the location.

25 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with the provider and manager. There were no patients attending the clinic during the inspection. However we did contact two patients following the inspection to ask their views about the service. Their comments were positive and included, 'I am so glad I used the services of this clinic. Everything went as it should have done'.

During the inspection we looked at how care and treatment was being delivered, working with other professionals, quality assurance and maintenance equipment records. We also looked at ways the service sought views from people who received treatment at Lancashire Clinic.

Comments we received from patients were positive about the way they were treated by consultants and staff. Patients were satisfied with the care and support shown to them during the course of their treatment. Comments included, 'It's been a very good service all the way through'. Also, 'Staff put me at ease as soon as I came in. I could recommend to anyone. Nothing to worry about'.

Patients told us they were consulted throughout the treatment stages and all options were discussed with them.

7 February 2013

During a routine inspection

There were no patients to speak with during the time inspecting the clinic. However, we did speak with two people by telephone following the inspection of the service. Both had received care and treatment at the clinic. They told us they had received a courteous service by staff who had respected their privacy and dignity. They told us the clinic had provided them with all the information they needed to make a decision about their care and treatment.

Records showed patients treatment and support was planned and well documented. This meant clear audits were in place for the management of treatment plans.

The clinic had a range of services available to patients who required consultation and treatment. Consulting rooms were well equipped and had a range of diagnostic equipment. There were disabled access points for patients with mobility problems. People we spoke with told us they thought the clinic was easily accessible and had the facilities to meet their individual needs.

16 February 2012

During a routine inspection

We were unable to speak to people who use the services on this occasion. However we saw evidence from the most recent patient survey that showed patients were very happy with the facilities, consultation and treatment provided.

Examination of care records showed people who use the service were involved in decisions about their care and treatment. This was supported by comprehensive written information in the form of professional, up to date patient information leaflets.