Sidcup PET-CT Centre

Updated 10 June 2022

Sidcup PET-CT centre is operated by Alliance Medical Limited. Sidcup PET-CT provides PET-CT imaging within the grounds of an NHS Trust. They provide imaging services for NHS trusts and are contracted by NHS commissioners to do so. The service also accepts private referrals.

The service provides a diagnostic imaging service for patients who require a PET CT scan. A PET-CT scan is a combination of a PET (positron emission tomography) scan and a CT (computerised tomography) scan. The PET scan shows how active cells are in different parts of the body using a radioisotope injection. The CT scan takes a series of pictures using x-rays to build this information in to 3D pictures of the body.

The service had been registered since 2020 and had a registered manager in place. There was an application in for the new service manager to take over the registered manager role. We had not previously inspected this service.

Updated 10 June 2022

This was the first time we rated the service. 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. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff reviewed referrals to identify risks to patients and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. 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. Key services were available to provide care within defined time scales.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity and took account of their individual needs. 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 did not have to wait too long for treatment.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s 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 clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• Not all staff were sure who to call if a patient was rapidly deteriorating.
• Patient’s told us they found the leaflet about parking confusing.
• Not all folders were updated with policies when they were printed.
• The service was recruiting more staff but while this was being processed the service manager was having to work clinically and so relied upon support from other managers.

Updated 10 June 2022