We were unable to speak to the people who provided samples for analysis because they had no direct contact with Acculabs Diagnostics - Brighton. As part of this inspection we spoke with the laboratory's registered manager, a quality manager and two members of staff. We also reviewed records and policies relevant to the outcome areas we inspected.At the last inspection, in February 2013, we found Acculabs Diagnostics ' Brighton non-compliant with Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act (HSCA) 2008. This was because appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene had not been maintained. At this current inspection we found that the provider had taken the steps they needed to achieve compliance. We found the regulated activity was carried out in a clean and hygienic environment. A staff member said, 'I think things have improved.' However, we found some aspects of government guidance had not been fully implemented.
We found that equipment used to prepare and analyse samples was well maintained and fit for purpose. A manager said, 'It's not new but it works absolutely brilliantly.'
Staff were not receiving appraisals which would help them know what they had done well and where they needed to improve in order to provide a safe service of an appropriate standard.
We found the provider lacked a clear system for identifying, receiving, handling and responding appropriately to complaints made by people who used the service.