InHealth Community Diagnostic Centre - North London

Updated 24 November 2021

InHealth North London Diagnostic Centre is operated by InHealth. The service provides x-ray and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) diagnostic facilities for adults and young people over the age of 16 years.

This report relates to x-ray and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) services provided by InHealth North London Diagnostic Centre. The service primarily serves the communities of Enfield. However, it also accepts patient referrals from outside this area.

The centre provides a range of x-ray and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) examinations to private patients and NHS patients referred from the NHS through clinical commissioning group (CCG) contracts directly with InHealth and GP referrals. The service works collaboratively with Enfield CCG and local GP services. The centre provides services for young people and adults over the age of 16 years old.

Updated 24 November 2021

Our rating of this location stayed the same. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well and assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
• Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for a diagnostic procedure.
• Leaders ran services well using 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 and were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.
• Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• Staff did not always use a three-point demographic check to correctly identify a patient before taking an x-ray or DEXA scan.
• The service did not have oversight of the cleaning contractors responsible for the daily cleaning of the premises.
• The changing facilities for the x-ray room were cluttered.
• The service did not have signs to inform patients and people visiting the centre that close circuit television surveillance was being used.

Updated 24 November 2021

Our rating of this service stayed the same. We rated it as good because:

• The service provided mandatory training in key skills to all staff and made sure everyone completed it.
• Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse and the service worked well with other agencies to do so. Staff had training on how to recognise and report abuse and they knew how to apply it.
• The service controlled infection risk well. Staff used equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection. They kept equipment visibly clean.
• Radiographers and other healthcare professionals worked together as a team to benefit patients. They supported each other to provide good care.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs.
• The service was inclusive and took account of patients’ individual needs and preferences. Staff made reasonable adjustments to help patients access services.
• Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills and take on more senior roles.

However:

• Staff did not always use a three-point demographic check to correctly identify a patient before taking an x-ray or DEXA scan.
• The service did not have oversight of the cleaning contractors responsible for the daily cleaning of the premises.
• The changing facilities for the x-ray room were cluttered.
• The service did not have signs to inform patients and people visiting the centre that close circuit television surveillance was being used.